Former England striker Jamie Vardy has become the latest high-profile footballer to be targeted by burglars, after his Italian villa on Lake Garda was raided by a gang who made off with valuables estimated at £80,000.
Targeted Break-In While Vardy Was Away
The incident occurred while Vardy was in Rome with his new club, Cremonese, for a Serie A match which ended in a 3-1 defeat. A gang of three men broke into the £2 million property he shares with his wife, Rebekah, by climbing through an open window.
According to a police source who spoke to the Daily Mail, 'We think the gang have been watching him and his family and timed the break in to coincide when he was away in Rome.' The burglars were inside the premises for several minutes before escaping with a haul that included a Philipe Patek watch, other luxury timepieces, jewellery, and cash.
CCTV Evidence and Police Investigation
Captain Giacomo Tessarolo of the local carabinieri police in Salò confirmed that CCTV footage captured one individual entering the house through the window. At the time of the burglary, a babysitter was present inside the villa, though she was unharmed.
The theft was discovered when friends of the Vardy family returned to the property and found items scattered on the floor, providing clear evidence of the break-in. The police investigation is ongoing.
Vardy's New Life in Italy
Jamie Vardy moved to the picturesque town of Salò on Lake Garda after joining Cremonese on a free transfer from Leicester City in the summer, signing a 12-month contract. The veteran striker, who scored 183 goals in 440 appearances for Leicester, has had a challenging start but has now made eight appearances for his new side, scoring twice.
Despite the setback, Vardy and his wife have been embracing their new life in Italy, often seen enjoying dinners in the local town and are even said to be picking up the language. The burglary places Vardy amongst a growing list of footballers, including Raheem Sterling and Alexander Isak, who have had their homes targeted by criminals.
