Terrifying rise of raids at footballers’ homes from Jack Grealish, Kurt Zouma & now Joelinton… and why they are targeted
JOELINTON is the latest footballer to be targeted by robbers after a spate of terrifying raids at stars’ homes across the country.
The injured Newcastle midfielder had been watching his team take on Man City from the sideline when the thieves struck on Saturday night.
While at St James’ Park he immediately contacted the police who raced to the address in Northumberland, shortly after 7.30pm.
By the time officers arrived at the multi-million pound Darras Hall home the attackers had fled.
No one is understood to have been inside the property when the home invaders struck.
The terrifying raid is the latest in a long line of sophisticated robberies on footballer’s homes.
Last month Jack Grealish’s terrified family hit panic buttons as a gang of burglars looted his new home.
His loved ones, including partner Sasha Attwood, were forced to take cover as cops rushed to the £5.6million home to avoid a potential hostage situation.
The robbers made off with £1million worth of jewellery and watches, while Grealish’s family were left “really shaken” in the horror.
Earlier this month, West Ham star Kurt Zouma‘s family home in Essex was targeted while he was inside.
The robbers also stole jewellery and high-end watches worth £1million – with Zouma forced to miss his team’s game against Crystal Palace.
Sources said the gang, who are still being hunted by cops, were “aggressive and organised”.
A number of other players have also been targeted including Joao Cancelo and Paul Pogba.
In December last year, Raheem Sterling was forced to fly back from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.
Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27, was at home at the time with their two kids.
She raised the alarm when the gang took watches worth £300,000.
Last year, there were five burglaries alone on the homes of footballers.
This prompted the former boss of a national intelligence unit focused on series organised crime to issue a chilling warning.
Supt Carl Williams suggested the gangs are scouring social media feeds to learn players’ timetables.
He added: “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media their significant public profile can help make them targets.
“Their high-value possessions are often on display as well as information about their plans.”
But the true reason behind the spate of high-end robberies could be even more sinister.
It is feared the thieves, many of whom reside in Albania, are flying into the UK specifically to burgle Prem stars.
They will then flee the country – often wearing the stolen goods while going through airport security.
Many of the stars have been targeted by “away day” looters who will strike when teams travel for their games.
This was true for ex-Man Utd star Jesse Lingard, who was robbed as he played for the Red Devils away at Aston Villa in January 2022.
His former teammate Victor Lindelof‘s home in Hale was raided the same month while he was in action for Utd in Brentford.
The defender’s wife Maja Lindelof and their two children were forced to lock themselves away while their mansion was ransacked.
Unfortunately, some are not able to escape quickly enough and are attacked by the armed raiders.
In 2021, Joao Cancelo suffered facial injuries when he was assaulted by four “cowards” who had ransacked his home.
The then-Man City star had confronted the men as they threatened partner Daniela Machado and daughter Alicia.
As a result, terrified footballers are having to resort to drastic measures to protect their homes and families.
The stars are forking out a fortune to install steel-enforced panic rooms that will allow them enter a safe space and alert the authorities away from the gangs.
They are also installing virtual perimeters known as geofencing to block any potential thieves from entering their mansions.
Other safety measures include housesitters, bodyguards and even guard dogs.
Some have even resorted to paying ex-military personnel to provide security.
But with so many footballers still being targeted, clubs are now having to work with their players alongside security services to combat the problem.
Players have been urged not to post on social media about holidays or events until they have returned home.
They have also been told to not attend jewellers and instead make them come to their homes.
In the latest raid, the crooks managed to get in despite extensive security and perimeter fencing around Grealish’s home.
Cops have been combing the area around the mansion from the ground and air in a desperate bid to apprehend the gang.
Cheshire Police told The Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary.
“The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
“Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects.
“No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
