Prem aces ‘spending tons on ex-SAS officers as Albanian gangs target players’

Premier League stars are breaking the bank to hire former SAS officers to help protect their homes.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne became the latest top flight player to have their home raided by burglars, when his mansion in Belgium was broken into this past week. Chelsea duo Reece James and Raheem Sterling have also been targeted, with the latter having to fly home during the World Cup last year to support his family.

Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard were also victims to similar incidents during their time at Manchester United, while former City defender Joao Cancelo was assaulted by a home invader. With incidents like these continuing to happen, Premier League players are considering all means of protection.

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According to the Daily Mail, gangs are flying into the country from places such as Albania, targeting the homes of wealthy individuals of huge net worth, before jetting back out with the items they stole. These groups typically arrive into the country with accomplices who scour the internet looking for the home addresses of many players.

It is also believed the aim of the burgling gangs is to try and swipe high-end watches and jewellery which they could wear as they walk through airport security. Security forces who work with clubs have reportedly noticed these activities and are actively working with players to spread awareness.

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Players have sat through lectures where they have been given advice such as avoid uploading holiday pictures while they are away.

Manchester United are one of many clubs who have turned to specialist former bodyguards who have previous training with the SAS as well as experienced protecting political figures and members of the Royal Family.

It is becoming standard practice for players to have all sorts of security measures, ranging from virtual perimeters, panic rooms that cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and highly trained guard dogs.

Stalkers has also become a problem in both men and women's football with the likes of Mason Mount and Billy Gilmour previously being targeted by individuals.

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