Premier League footballers have been the target of a series of shocking break-ins in recent seasons, but some stars have stepped up their security in somewhat unconventional ways.
Premier League stars are turning to MMA fighters to stem a worrying rise in robberies. A number of top players have been the target of break-ins in recent seasons, with Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling also having their Cheshire homes damaged.
Now, players are stepping up security efforts to thwart potential thieves, including hiring former combatants. “I would say that one large club in the Cheshire area with multiple players has stepped up their security. They are currently drafting in a number of former mixed martial artists to act as bodyguards for the players and their families,” he told the Mail.
“One of the players works as a security guard and the other is a house sitter, which means he is at home when the players are not at the club.
“The gang tends to take on big jobs when their fighters are on tour in Europe. Both former MMA fighters are very confident in physical confrontations and won’t back down if something happens.
“They take care of the players and their families when they are out and about. If a young player wants to go to a nightclub, they take them and make sure nothing happens. They have competed at the highest level and are very capable.”
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“That’s why gangs in Manchester and Liverpool see Prestbury and Knutsford as a kind of Disneyland with endless opportunities. They’re not afraid of guards in fake police cars, which is a source of fun for them.”
“They just want to get in, score, and get out. If an item gets stolen, the value plummets, so I think there’s got to be an element of big buzz.”
“Then the fences (intermediaries) ask for a reduction and by the time everyone gets paid, it’s down to a few rands per person.”
After a robbery at his home in 2023, Grealish took to social media to appeal for those responsible to be brought to justice. He writes: “Words cannot express how devastated I am over the robbery that occurred at my home a few days ago.
“My family means everything to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. This is a traumatic experience for all of us. I am so grateful that no one was hurt.”
“I’ve had so many great experiences and achievements over the past 12 months, but to be honest, I don’t feel like I can celebrate the best year of my football career right now.”
“The people who commit these horrific crimes have no idea how much damage they are doing to people’s lives. We hope they are found and brought to justice so no other families go through what we are going through.”
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