NBA asks players to get watchdogs and update alarms after burglaries targeting Mike Conley, Bobby Portis, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes

The NBA issued a memo Friday urging players to improve their home security and consider having watchdogs follow them a wave of burglaries targeting professional athletes.

Mike Conley of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks have fallen victim, as have NFL stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

SEE ALSO | Police recover Travis Kelce’s watch after a wave of burglaries targeting athletes during competitions

The guidelines came in a memo the league sent to teams, a copy of which was available obtained by ABC News.

In most burglaries, the homes were equipped with alarm systems that were not activated, the memo said.

In addition to updating home security systems, the memo urged players to “remove all real estate listings with photos of your home from publicly accessible websites” and to “use dogs for home protection.”

The league also advised players to investigate contractors who work in their homes.

READ MORE | Burglary at Bucks star Bobby Portis’ home caught on video; NFL players are targets of similar crimes

The memo confirms ABC News reporting that the FBI suspects many of the burglaries targeting athletes and other luxury home owners are linked to South American theft groups, which are “highly organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones and signal jamming devices.”

Police believe the athletes are being targeted based on their competition schedules. All thefts occurred when no one was home.

The main interest is cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches and handbags.