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Wednesday, 12 December 2007, 18:46 GMT

Raiders target Gerrard's mansion

Steven Gerrard Steven Gerrard has become the sixth player in the Liverpool football team to have had his home burgled in the last 18 months.

Detectives are linking the burglaries, which have all taken place while the footballers were playing at away games.

The England star's wife Alex Curran and two children were asleep in their Formby home at the time of the robbery.

Merseyside Police have described the raid on Tuesday night at about 2130 GMT as a "confrontational burglary".

Ms Curran said she was left shaken but uninjured following the raid.

Police said thieves escaped with a woman's Rolex watch and two sets of car keys.

A spokesman for Liverpool Football Club said their first concerns were for the player, Ms Curran and their children.

"We will be looking at ways to provide cover for the players' houses while they are away with the club"
Ian Cotton,
Liverpool FC

The players' homes targeted

The England star was away playing in the Champions League against Marseille at the time of the incident.

Ian Cotton, spokesman for Liverpool Football Club, said: "We were shocked to hear the news last night after the game in Marseille.

"Our first concerns are for the welfare of Alex, Steven and the family.

"The club takes this extremely seriously and we will be looking at ways to provide cover for the players' houses while they are away with the club on domestic and international duty."

Porsche stolen

Three weeks ago, striker Dirk Kuyt's home in Woolton was targeted by thieves while he was away on international duty with Holland.

Defender Daniel Agger had his home in Caldy, Wirral, burgled in September last year and striker Peter Crouch's house in Alderley Edge was targeted in the same month while he was on England duty.

Current goalkeeper Pepe Reina was burgled while he played for Liverpool in last May's Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

His Porsche was taken during the raid and later found burnt-out in west Derby.

"Those affected have been targeted because they are wealthy and it is known that they will be away from the UK for specific fixtures"
Supt Phil Scarth

In June 2006 the Merseyside home of former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, was also targeted by thieves.

Supt Phil Scarth, of Merseyside Police, said: "We are linking these incidents as they have all targeted Premiership footballers living in the Merseyside area while they have been away at fixtures.

"Those affected have been targeted because they are wealthy and it is known that they will be away from the UK for specific fixtures.

He added: "The force already offers annual security reviews for the players.

"We are now working closely with the individuals affected as well as the club to offer crime prevention and personal security advice as well as stepping up security around footballers' homes."




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Related to this story:
Thieves strike while players away (12 Dec 07 |  Merseyside )
Fifth Liverpool player is burgled (20 Nov 07 |  Merseyside )

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