LAFC, France national team star Olivier Giroud has $500K in watches stolen from home

The Rising Trend of Home Burglaries Targeting Professional Athletes

In recent months, a disturbing trend has emerged in the world of professional sports: athletes are increasingly becoming targets of home burglaries. The latest victim is Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) star Olivier Giroud, who had approximately $500,000 worth of watches stolen from his home earlier this month. Giroud’s wife, Jennifer, discovered the break-in on February 5 after noticing a shattered window at their residence. Among the stolen items were 10 luxury watches, valued at around $500,000, which were taken from their home. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is currently investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made yet. This unfortunate event adds Giroud’s name to a growing list of high-profile athletes who have fallen victim to home burglaries in recent months.

Olivier Giroud: The Latest Athlete to Fall Victim to a Brazen Burglary

Olivier Giroud, a renowned footballer with a storied career in European soccer, is the latest athlete to be targeted in this alarming wave of burglaries. The incident occurred while Giroud is in his first full season with LAFC, having joined the club midway through the previous season. Giroud’s wife, Jennifer, reported the burglary to the authorities after discovering the broken window, and an investigation was promptly launched. The stolen watches, valued at $500,000, are a significant loss for the family. The LAPD is still working to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen items. This incident underscores the vulnerability that even high-profile individuals face when it comes to securing their homes.

The Case of Joe Burrow: A Burglary with a Twisted Twist

Giroud is not the only athlete to have been targeted recently. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also fell victim to a home burglary, with a twist that has shocked many. Three Chilean nationals—Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez, 22; Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales, 23; and Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello, 38—were charged in connection with the burglary. According to a federal criminal complaint, the suspects broke into Burrow’s home and stole several items, including a jeweled necklace reading "JB9" and a diamond "9" necklace, both of which held sentimental value to the quarterback. What’s even more disturbing is that the suspects allegedly took selfies with some of the stolen items, which were later used as evidence against them.

The suspects were apprehended by the Ohio State Patrol after authorities tracked their movements across multiple states. The Bengals organization released a statement praising the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and their partner agencies for their diligent efforts in investigating the crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The team also expressed their appreciation for the law enforcement agencies’ hard work and dedication to the case, acknowledging the complexity of the investigation and the exemplary work done by the Sheriff’s Department. The Bengals have a long-standing relationship with the department and recognize their role as a source of strength and pride for the community.

A Troubling Pattern: Athletes as Targets

The burglaries targeting Giroud and Burrow are part of a larger, concerning pattern. In recent months, several high-profile athletes have had their homes broken into, with thieves often targeting valuable items such as jewelry, watches, and other luxury goods. Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, as well as Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, have all been victims of home burglaries in recent times. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities that come with fame and wealth, as athletes often become prime targets for thieves due to their high-profile status and the perception that they possess valuable assets.

The reasons behind this trend are multifaceted. Athletes often have expensive possessions, and their schedules—whether they are traveling for games, training, or other commitments—can make their homes appear unoccupied for extended periods. Additionally, the personal lives of athletes are frequently publicized, making it easier for potential burglars to gather information about their homes and belongings. As a result, athletes are increasingly taking measures to secure their homes, from installing advanced security systems to hiring private security personnel. Despite these precautions, the risk of burglary remains a persistent concern.

Olivier Giroud: A Star on and off the Field

While the burglary at his home has brought unwanted attention to Giroud, the footballer has otherwise enjoyed a stellar career. A household name in the world of soccer, Giroud has played for some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan. Known for his skill, versatility, and work ethic, Giroud has consistently performed at the highest level throughout his career. Internationally, he has been a key player for the French national team, contributing to their victory in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and scoring four goals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including a decisive goal against England in the quarterfinals. Giroud’s professionalism, dedication, and talent have made him a respected figure in the sport, both on and off the field.

A Call for Vigilance and Support

The recent wave of burglaries targeting professional athletes serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face beyond their respective sports. While their lives often appear glamorous and privileged, the reality is that they, too, are vulnerable to crime. The incidents involving Giroud, Burrow, Mahomes, Kelce, and Doncic highlight the importance of vigilance and the need for robust security measures. Athletes, like all individuals, deserve to feel safe in their homes, and it is essential that they receive the support and resources necessary to protect themselves and their families from such threats.

As investigations into these burglaries continue, fans and supporters can play a role by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity in their communities. By fostering a culture of awareness and cooperation, we can all contribute to creating safer environments for everyone, including those in the public eye.