- Premier League players have called in security teams following a criminal alert
- A ‘serious security issue’ has been flagged following a recent incident in Chesire
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Panicked Premier League footballers have called in crack security teams following an alert over a criminal gang operating with CAR TRANSPORTERS.
Inside Sport understands a ‘serious security issue’ has been flagged following a recent incident in Cheshire, home to a number of high-profile players from both Manchester and Merseyside clubs.
Ex-military operatives and teams of dog handlers have been brought in to patrol areas deemed ‘high risk’ at no little expense.
In an alert sent to those who work with players at clubs across the region, it is revealed that the gang are professional and are using car transporters to remove multiple vehicles at once.
The message claims that police believe those involved are of Albanian origin and are using the transporters so they can steal multiple vehicles each time they raid a house.
Attacks on properties are the scourge of high-profile sports stars.
Premier League footballers have called in crack security teams following an alert
In December 2023, Jack Grealish’s Cheshire home was targeted by thieves who stole £1m of watches and jewellery
Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof is among those whose homes have been targeted
In December 2021 Joao Cancelo, then of Manchester City, had his home targeted
Mail Sport has previously reported how worried major names have deployed ex-SAS operatives to look after their homes and families. Players turned to ex-soldiers to look after their families at home while they were in action for their clubs or away on international duty.
Several clubs – based in the north west – even set up a discussion group to share intelligence on what they were doing to safeguard stars and their loved ones.
In December 2023, Jack Grealish’s Cheshire home was targeted by thieves who stole £1m of watches and jewellery while around 10 family members were watching him play for City against Everton on television at the residence. The group hit panic buttons after hearing noises upstairs.
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof and ex-City star Joao Cancelo are also among those to have their homes targeted. Cancelo was left with a cut above his eye during a raid which saw jewellery taken.
Cheshire Police, however, say they are unaware of the incident being referred to within the email.
A spokesperson from the UK Football Policing Unit said: ‘’Following a small number of high-profile footballer burglaries across the country, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has been working closely with all football clubs and match officials around home security.
‘As part of our work the UKFPU has lead Operation Equalise, where through clubs and law enforcement we have been offering security advice through locally based design out crime officers.
‘This national operation has provided greater cohesion and consistency to crime prevention and investigation, which has resulted in a decrease in the offences.’
