Chelsea ace Reece James, 21, reveals shocking CCTV as ‘cowardly’ thieves break into his home and steal safe with medals
CHELSEA and England ace Reece James has revealed shocking CCTV of the moment “cowardly” thugs broke into his home and stole his football medals.
The 21-year-old footballer said the group of robbers broke into his house on Tuesday and snatched a safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup, and Euro 2020 medals.
James shared a number of CCTV clips of the shocking burglary, showing four suspects walking up the driveway of his home and shining torches into the house.
One video shows the group struggling to open the electric gates to the property as they lift a huge safe out of the house and roll it across the driveway.
The Chelsea defender shared the clips outside his home as he appealed for fans to help “identify and turn in these low life individuals”.
He added: “I hope together we can catch these individuals and deliver justice where it is due.”
James confirmed in a statement on Instagram he wasn’t at home at the time and he is “safe and well”.
He said he was devastated by the theft of the medals, but added: “These medals were won representing Chelsea and England – honours that can never be taken away from me whether or not I have the physical medals to prove it.
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“Nevertheless, I am appealing to all my Chelsea and England fans to help identify and turn in these low life individuals who will never be able to rest easy as the evidence is mounting against them.
“The police, my advisers and Chelsea FC (and many others) are all behind me as we have firm leads on who the perpetrators are.
“We are closing in on them. Luckily, no one was present during the break in but I want to let all of you know I am safe and well.
“I really do appreciate having the platform to tell you all about my misfortune and I hope together we can catch these individuals and deliver justice where it is due.”
It comes after charity gifts were stolen from James’ car while he was serving food to hungry children in December last year.
He had returned to his car after the Felix Project event to find the window of his vehicle had been smashed.
The footballer posted a picture of the damage on his Instagram account, with the caption: “Another rewarding experience with the Felix Project today serving meals to the younger generation.
“Hopefully we spread some joy ahead of a challenging Christmas period.
“Unfortunately, I was met with huge disappointment when returning to my car. During the event, someone felt the need to break in and steal gifts that I was due to go and donate later in the day.”
FOOTBALLERS TARGETED BY BURGLARS
A number of star footballers have been targeted by criminals in recent years.
1. Dele Alli
Tottenham midfielder was held at knifepoint last year when intruders broke into his home.
2. Angel Di Maria
Paris Saint-Germain winger had to be substituted last season against Nantes after his family were the victims of a violent robbery.
3. Wayne Rooney
Derby gaffer had his Cheshire mansion burgled in August 2016 when he was playing in his own testimonial.
4. John Terry
Chelsea legend had £400,000 of luxury goods stolen in 2017 after he and his family were on a skiing trip.
5. Steven Gerrard
The Rangers boss’ home was targeted during his time at Liverpool when he was playing in the Champions League against Ajax in 2007.
6. Daniel Sturridge
England international had his £4,000 Pomeranian stolen after burglars broke into his Los Angeles home in 2019. The dog was later found and returned to the striker.
7. Sadio Mane
The Liverpool winger had items including watches, phones and car keys taken after a number of people forced entry into his home.
8. Ian Wright
Arsenal icon’s house was targeted in 2014 when he was away in Brazil as a pundit for the World Cup.
9. Phil Jagielka
The Derby centre-back was held at knifepoint in 2009 after an armed gang broke into his Cheshire mansion.
10. Frank Lampard
England icon has been targeted FOUR times by thieves, with the most recent break-in happening in May 2020.