Mahomes, Kelce home burglaries: ‘It can happen anywhere,’ KC-area security expert says | Opinion
I don’t know about you, but I was pretty shocked to learn this week that the homes of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were reportedly burglarized last month. As unnerving as the break-ins were, they should serve as a stark reminder that any of us could fall victim to unsavory characters and unscrupulous acts at any time.
Mahomes’ massive mansion in Loch Loyd Estates in Belton was burglarized shortly after midnight Oct. 6, The Star reported this week. That the home invasion occurred in a private, gated community in northwestern Cass County was even more disturbing.
“Gated or non-gated, it can happen anywhere,” said security specialist Anthony Burnside of Kansas City. He spoke in general terms and not specifically of Loch Loyd Estates or the break in there.
“Just because you feel safe doesn’t mean you are safe,” Burnside said. “People have a notion that gated communities are safe. But when you are dealing with highly motivated people, that safety goes down.”
Hours later, as the Chiefs’ Monday Night Football game against New Orleans kicked off, Kelce’s pad in Leawood was allegedly broken into, according to The Star. In that case, thieves kicked in the back door to the home and came away with about $20,000 in cash, according to reports.
Authorities in Cass County and Leawood were working with the FBI in these high-profile investigations, TMZ reported. I am hopeful these cases will be solved. We all should be thankful that no one was injured during the course of these brazen acts.
At his weekly news conference Wednesday at the Chiefs practice facility, Mahomes described the break-ins as frustrating and disappointing.
“I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing, but it’s obviously something you don’t want to happen — to really anybody, but obviously yourself,” he said.
As a security specialist, Burnside said he has worked to protect the personal safety of A-list celebrities, politicians, pop stars and their property. Because of security concerns he told me he couldn’t name reveal his client list, which is understandable.
He has no ties to either Mahomes or Kelce or their security teams. And he doesn’t know much about the burglaries other than what was reported. But he did take time to speak with me in general about self-protection and how all of us can better protect our homes. One suggestion: “Read the book ‘Gift of Fear’ by security specialist Gavin de Becker,” Burnside said.
“It’s a really good book,” he said.
The answers below have been edited for length and clarity.
▪ What can we learn from these break-ins?
Gated communities are not impenetrable. Not all securities are equal. Even the Secret Service can have issues.
▪ What can everyday folks do to better protect themselves and their property?
Anybody can get hit at any time. People think it can’t happen to them, but yes it can. Stay vigilant. Keep your head on a swivel. Be cautious. Notice your surroundings. You have to have basic situational awareness. Pay attention and be your own bodyguard. Look out for trouble. There are precursors to an attack.
▪ What did you find interesting about the burglary at Kelce’s Leawood home?
I don’t know the facts of the situation. People contact me all the time about things. Someone brought me a picture of Travis’ house. Once you find out what someone’s house looks like, from a security perspective, that is ill-advised. (Kelce’s brother) Jason Kelce said it a few months ago; people were knocking on Travis’ doors. Advance info was given out
You have some bad actors out there. There are ways to fight against it. The security team has to play a bigger part. The key is to harden the target prior. The homes should be bought in secret.
▪ What general guidance could you offer celebrities such as Mahomes or Kelce and their security teams? Long before the break-in, Mahomes’ mansion was all over the internet.
I am so sorry this happened. It’s sad. As a security specialist, when you reach a different level of fame, you have to adjust. Your life is a little different. You have to move differently. We have to participate in our own safety. If that was me, we would have not published his house. In my world, that is not something we talk about. If I am seeing aerial footage, the bad guys are seeing the aerial footage. There was a cascade of failures. I’m not blaming any player. None of us should. But when people know your secrets, they can defeat you.
▪ What role do mobile phones play in our collective lack of self-awareness?
The phone is a new drug. It’s an addiction. People walk into traffic. They walk into trees. If you are looking at your phone, people can creep up behind you. If you are not paying attention, that is what the predator is looking for. Watch where you go. Expect the unexpected. Stay cautious.
▪ Any parting words?
Be your own bodyguard.
