News headlines are filled with reports of burglaries and raids on footballers’ homes. The threat of burglary is a growing concern for many — especially high net worth individuals. Footballers, in particular, are increasingly being targeted by organised criminal gangs who view their homes and assets as easy pickings.
This alarming trend has seen a wave of break-ins across the UK, with many high-profile players falling victim. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust, professional security measures to protect families, property, and valuable assets.
One such case was the shocking raid in March 2021 at the home of Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was reportedly robbed by machete-wielding intruders in front of his young family.
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In February, TalkSport reported that two masked men broke into Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti’s home while his daughter was home alone.
Throughout 2020, headlines featured a long list of similar incidents, such as:
- Fabinho’s home burgled while celebrating Liverpool’s title win – BBC
- Mamadou Sakho’s home targeted in £500k raid – Telegraph
- Dele Alli held at knifepoint in a violent robbery – Insider
- Raheem Sterling’s mansion targeted – Manchester Evening News
- Bournemouth player’s home burgled while on holiday – Fan Banter
Many of these attacks occurred while players were away training, playing matches, or on holiday — but some even took place while families were at home. Footballers have become high-risk targets.
In April 2021, the robbery of former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in Italy triggered a nationwide TalkSport debate about footballer security. Read the TalkSport coverage.
An Expected Crime Spike Post-Lockdown
UKCrimeStats reported a 6% rise in total crime after May 2020 as lockdown restrictions eased, jumping from 1.5M to over 1.6M crimes in a month. Burglaries, robberies, and vehicle theft surged — particularly affecting affluent individuals.
In 2020:
- 276,601 burglaries
- 61,689 robberies
- 343,669 vehicle crimes
High net worth individuals must prioritise security.
How Footballers and High Net Worth Individuals Can Stay Safe
Footballers often live very public lives — with match schedules, holiday plans, and personal assets openly visible on social media. This makes them easy targets for criminals.
Popular security options include trained dogs, personal guards, and panic rooms — but foundational physical security systems like CCTV, alarm monitoring, perimeter sensors, and access control are essential.
These incidents have not only shocked the public but have sparked widespread discussions across football communities — especially as the victims are often top-tier players under the spotlight. If you’re interested in keeping up with news and stats in the women’s game, Queen of the Pitch is a great independent source focused solely on the women’s football scene.
Risk Assessments Matter
Start with a security risk assessment from an SSAIB or NSI-accredited professional — a standard requirement for many insurers. Visit SSAIB.
Perimeter Security
Install beams, lights, cameras and restrict access with smart access control systems. Explore access control options.
‘Closed Site’ Detection
Use passive infrared sensors, analytics-driven cameras, and thermal imaging — all linked to a monitoring station like Farsight for real-time visual verification and response.
How to choose the right monitoring partner
Internal Alarms with Visual Verification
Police often require visual verification to prioritise a response. Monitored alarms linked to CCTV ensure operators can confirm intrusions and act fast. Internal cameras can be linked for added reassurance.
Farsight issued 119,901 audio warnings and escalated 9,950 incidents in 2020. Read about audio deterrents
Watch how our remote monitoring works:
Why Work With Farsight?
Farsight is an award-winning SSAIB-accredited monitoring centre based at The Observatory. We’re trusted by elite athletes and high net worth clients across the UK.
We were proud to be named ‘Best Security Services Provider 2020 – UK’ by Corporate Vision.
To learn more about how we help secure luxury properties, contact us today.
Call: 0845 371 0101
Email: [email protected]
