Premier League footballers have been warned to be extra vigilant after the homes of three stars were burgled while they were playing. Everton striker Thierno Barry said he was relieved that his family was not home during the latest raid, which took place at his Greater Manchester home last week.
The warning follows burglaries at the homes of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, both targeted within a matter of weeks.
Barry speaks out after home targeted
The 24-year-old Frenchman spoke out after his home was targeted as he played against Newcastle United. He said: "Things could have been much worse," as his partner and toddler were watching him during the match.
Barry admitted: "Maybe I've been too open about my family's life and mine, potentially putting them at risk. It was all just to show my lifestyle and inspire others through my journey and success, hoping to motivate them to do the same. My childhood was never easy."
He added: "I've always believed that when you give yourself the best possible chances, there is always hope. Unfortunately, in life, there are people and things beyond our control. This has been a lesson for me. The most important thing in life is to look after and protect the people you love. That's what truly matters. Everything else is just materialistic."
Partners urge public to report suspicious activity
Barry's partner Charlene added: "If anyone has seen or heard anything suspicious, or has any information that could help, we would be incredibly grateful if you could get in touch. We are also willing to offer a financial reward for any information that helps identify those responsible."
The partner of Morgan Gibbs-White also spoke of their harrowing experience last week. Britney De Villiers said: "Our home was burgled a few days ago and after hearing about another one, I feel it's important to warn others. It's incredibly unsettling knowing that homes are being targeted. Please be extra vigilant, make sure your security systems are on whether you're in the house or not and report anything suspicious."
She added: "Thankfully, nobody was home when it happened and material things can be replaced but it's a horrible feeling knowing someone has violated your home, especially when you have young children. Please stay safe and look out for one another."
Fernandes burglary and previous raids
Bruno Fernandes saw his home ransacked by masked robbers during Manchester United's 4-1 loss to Como last month. A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "At around 8.30pm on Wednesday 21 October, police were called to reports of suspicious activity at an address in the Alderley Park area of Nether Alderley. The caller reported three unknown men in the rear garden of a neighbouring property. Officers attended the scene, but upon arrival, there was no trace of the suspects. Officers discovered that a burglary had occurred at the address and several items were stolen."
Other players have been targeted in the past. Manchester City's £100m signing Jack Grealish, currently on loan to Everton, had £1m worth of jewellery and valuables taken in a raid in 2023. Former Manchester United star Victor Lindelof was also targeted. The gang who targeted Grealish are also believed to be behind raids on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Love Island stars Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury. Dubbed the "Balcony Burglars", they use ladders to target balconies connected to the master bedrooms of each mansion.
England ace Raheem Sterling raced back from the Qatar World Cup when raiders stole £350,000 worth of watches from his house. Lindelof's wife and two kids locked themselves in a panic room when their home was raided in January 2022. Manchester City's Joao Cancelo was attacked by robbers in front of his wife at their property in the city weeks earlier. Balconies were a favoured method of access as the raiders knew jewellery, watches and designer handbags were close by, with the raids carried out within minutes. Oxlade-Chamberlain and Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards were burgled by a gang at their £3.5m mansion in Wilmslow, Cheshire four years ago. The couple, at home at the time, did not know they had been targeted until they discovered items of jewellery and handbags missing.
