What's happened
Scottsdale police are investigating a high-value burglary at Ketel Marte's home while he was playing in the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. Personal items and jewelry were stolen, with no one at home. The case is part of a broader pattern targeting athletes' homes this year.
What's behind the headline?
The story underscores a growing security concern for professional athletes, whose homes are increasingly targeted by organized crime groups. The FBI has warned that South American theft organizations are responsible for many of these burglaries, using encrypted communication and breaking into second-floor homes to steal jewelry and luxury goods. This pattern reveals a calculated effort to exploit athletes' absences, often during high-profile events like the All-Star Game. The targeting of Marte's home highlights the vulnerability of high-net-worth individuals in the sports world, and the broader implications suggest that security protocols need to be reassessed across leagues. The timing of these burglaries, coinciding with major sporting events, indicates a strategic approach by criminal groups aiming to maximize loot while minimizing risk of detection. The ongoing investigation will likely reveal more about the extent of these organized theft rings and could lead to increased security measures for athletes nationwide.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, The Independent, and AP News all confirm the investigation into the burglary at Ketel Marte's home, which occurred while he was in Atlanta for the All-Star Game. They detail that personal items and jewelry were stolen, with no one at the residence at the time. The reports also highlight that this incident is part of a broader pattern of organized burglaries targeting athletes' homes, driven by criminal groups using encrypted communication and targeting second-floor luxury residences. The NY Post emphasizes Marte's emotional struggles following recent personal and professional challenges, adding context to his current situation. The Independent and AP News provide a comprehensive overview of the pattern of thefts, including warnings from the FBI about organized crime targeting athletes, and mention other high-profile victims like Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes. The coverage collectively underscores the security risks athletes face and the organized nature of these crimes, which are increasingly sophisticated and coordinated.
How we got here
The burglary occurred while Marte was in Atlanta for the All-Star Game, where he contributed with a two-run double. The incident follows a series of similar thefts targeting professional athletes' residences across the US, driven by organized crime groups targeting luxury homes when athletes are away.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are High-Profile Athletes and Celebrities Targeted in Burglaries?
Recent incidents involving athletes and celebrities highlight a worrying trend of high-value burglaries. From a baseball star's home being robbed during the All-Star Game to celebrities facing security threats, these events raise questions about why high-profile individuals are targeted and what can be done to protect them. Below, we explore common questions about these security incidents and what they reveal about organized crime and personal safety in the spotlight.
-
Are Athletes’ Homes Safe During Major Sporting Events?
With high-profile burglaries like Ketel Marte’s home being targeted while athletes are away at big games, many fans and athletes wonder: how safe are these homes during major sporting events? Organized crime groups are increasingly targeting luxury residences, raising questions about security measures and safety tips. Below, we explore why these incidents happen, what recent cases reveal, and how athletes and fans can protect themselves during big moments in sports.
-
What Are the Biggest Stories Shaping Today’s News Cycle?
Stay informed with the latest headlines that are shaping global conversations today. From social issues in the UK to international diplomacy and environmental developments, these stories reveal the pressing challenges and breakthroughs of our time. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for your daily life? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to the most common questions about today’s top news stories.
More on these topics
-
Ketel Ricardo Marte Valdez is a Dominican professional baseball infielder and outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball. He previously played for the Seattle Mariners.
-
The Arizona Diamondbacks, often shortened as the D-backs, are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member of the National League West division. The team plays its home games at Chase
-
Major League Baseball is an American professional baseball organization and the oldest of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
-
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. With an estimated 2019 population of 506,811, it is also the 37th most populous city in the United States.