England’s Euro 2024 players have received a detailed security briefing from police amid concerns about potential burglaries targeting their homes while they are away competing in Germany. This precautionary measure follows a series of high-profile break-ins, including the invasion of Raheem Sterling’s £6 million mansion during the 2022 World Cup, which left the forward shaken.
Organized gangs, often from Albania, have been targeting high-net-worth individuals, including Premier League footballers. Security sources have revealed a worrying trend where these groups arrive from overseas, armed with accomplices, and scour the internet to find the addresses of their targets. Their primary objective is to steal luxury items such as high-end watches and jewelry, which they then brazenly wear through airport security.
In response, the FA arranged a presentation by police officers to provide concerned players with an in-depth guide on ensuring their safety and that of their loved ones during the tournament. Some players have already invested in “military-grade” security measures, including infra-red and night-vision cameras, around-the-clock security, and ex-special forces personnel as guards. Other precautions include panic rooms, virtual perimeters (“geofencing”), and live-in bodyguards.
The briefing also addressed the impact of changing spending behaviors, as traditional targets like cash-carrying vans have become less available, prompting gangs to shift their focus to other high-value targets. With the Euros set to kick off on Friday, these security measures aim to provide peace of mind for players so they can focus on the tournament while knowing their homes and families are protected.
England stars have reportedly been briefed by police on enhancing their safety and that of their loved ones during the Euros.
The Three Lions are preparing to jet off to Germany for the Euros, which kicks off on Friday.
England’s Euro 2024 squad has received a detailed security checklist from police, offering guidance on protecting themselves and their loved ones while they compete in Germany. This proactive measure addresses concerns about potential burglaries targeting players’ homes during their absence, an issue that has gained prominence following several high-profile break-ins.
In recent times, organized gangs, often originating from Albania, have set their sights on high-net-worth individuals, including Premier League footballers. Security sources have shed light on a disturbing trend where these groups, aided by accomplices, travel from overseas and use the internet to pinpoint the addresses of their targets. Their primary objective is to steal luxury items such as high-end watches and jewelry, which they then brazenly wear as they pass through airport security, showcasing their ill-gotten gains.
To counter these threats, the FA arranged a special presentation by police officers. During this session, concerned players received an in-depth guide on safeguarding themselves and their loved ones during the tournament. Some players have already taken significant steps to bolster their security, investing in “military-grade” measures such as infra-red and night-vision cameras, 24/7 security personnel, and even ex-special forces guards.
Additionally, players have installed panic rooms, implemented virtual perimeters (“geofencing”), and hired live-in bodyguards. These precautions reflect a growing awareness of the need for enhanced security, particularly in response to the trend of targeting footballers and their valuable possessions. With the Euros set to kick off on Friday, these security measures provide players with peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their performance while knowing their homes and families are protected.
Raheem Sterling’s £6 million mansion was targeted by burglars while the Chelsea star was away with the Three Lions in Qatar for the World Cup.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Raheem Sterling’s gated home was broken into, resulting in the theft of a valuable collection of watches and jewelry. This incident prompted the shocked star to rush back to the UK to be with his family.
Police were notified around 9 pm on Saturday, December 3, after Sterling’s family discovered the burglary. Understandably, Sterling was granted leave from England’s camp in Qatar to return home and address the situation.
As England’s Euro 2024 stars prepare to depart for Germany, they do so with a heightened awareness of security and a comprehensive set of measures in place to protect their homes and loved ones. While their focus will be on representing their country on the pitch, they can take comfort in knowing that their families and possessions are safe, thanks to the proactive steps taken by both the players themselves and the authorities.