The England players in Qatar for the World Cup are concerned about their families at home after thieves burgled Raheem Sterling’s house, according to The Telegraph.
Players are installing panic rooms, buying expensive guard dogs and supplying bodyguards for family members.
The burglary has increased fears that the Three Lions are the target of organised gangs. Sterling has returned to England, and it is unclear if he will return to Qatar.
His teammates were shocked and are now increasing security at their homes and around their families.
Agents of players received instructions to put security teams on 24-hour patrols at homes. They are to intercept attempted deliveries and monitor any suspicious activity.
Sterling is the latest high-profile footballer that has undergone this ordeal. At least four of his club and international teammates have also been burgled over the past year.
Players have reported instances of people following them from their club training grounds over recent months. They say cars tailed them, and in-house security teams at clubs had to re-route and direct them to safe places.
Some players have moved out of their homes and into more populated luxury apartment blocks. This move makes it harder for intruders to break in unnoticed.
The concerns of players have led to builders and staff signing non-disclosure agreements. This NDA prevents them from telling friends or colleagues that they are working at the properties of footballers.
The players redirect deliveries to friends or family for collection to keep addresses private.
Reece James, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Joao Cancelo are among the players who have suffered horrific experiences with burglars.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes had to fight off burglars who attacked him while in his garage months ago.
Sead Kolasinac also had to fight off robbers that tried to attack him and Mesut Ozil in 2019.
