Police in Arizona are investigating a reported burglary at the home of Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, which occurred while he was at the All-Star Game in Atlanta. The burglary, described as a ‘high-dollar residential burglary,’ took place on July 15, with forced entry and personal items and jewelry stolen. The investigation is ongoing, and the incident is part of a growing trend of burglaries targeting high-profile athletes, with the FBI linking some to organized crime groups in South America.
The theft is believed to have happened while Marte was out of town competing in the All-Star Game in Georgia, where he hit a two-run double in the first inning of the National League’s win. This is not an isolated incident, as multiple high-profile athletes have reported their homes being broken into in recent months. In December, the FBI issued a warning that South American organized crime groups were believed to be behind a number of burglaries targeting athletes’ homes while they were out of town. These groups have allegedly used social media and other publicly available information to track their targets’ whereabouts, the FBI said.
Following this trend, the NFL and NBA warned players after a number of break-ins to be vigilant. Luka Dončić, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow are among the prominent athletes who have had their homes broken into in the last year. The burglaries highlight a growing concern for the safety of athletes, particularly those with high public profiles, and underscore the need for increased security measures and awareness among sports leagues and players.
As the investigation into Marte’s burglary continues, authorities are urging anyone who has information to come forward. With the potential involvement of organized crime, the case could have broader implications beyond just the individual athlete, raising questions about the safety of high-profile individuals and the effectiveness of current security protocols within the sports industry.