No significant increase in ‘high-profile’ burglaries, says NPCC
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has denied reports there has been a “significant increase” in burglaries at the homes of celebrities and sports stars.
It comes as jewellery and watches were reportedly stolen in a break-in at the Surrey home of England international footballer Raheem Sterling.
Surrey Police said “no threats of violence” were involved in the incident, but the Chelsea forward was absent from England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the World Cup on Sunday as he travelled home from Qatar to be with his family.
In a statement, the NPCC said: “Contrary to media reports today, there has not been a significant increase in burglaries at the homes of celebrities and sports stars in recent years.”
Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith, NPCC lead for burglary, added: “We recognise how invasive and traumatic it is to have your home burgled. We take all burglaries very seriously, offer support to families impacted by this awful crime and seek to bring offenders to justice as swiftly as possible.
“In October, police chiefs in England and Wales made a commitment to attend all home burglaries. Wherever you live in England and Wales, you can be confident the police will attend if you experience the invasion of a home burglary.
“The number of burglaries is at an all-time low, down 51 per cent over the past decade, and we will continue to prioritise preventing these offences, targeting repeat offenders and organised crime groups and solving as many burglaries as we can.”
Surrey Police said it was currently investigating a report of a burglary at the address in Oxshott, Leatherhead.
In a statement, the force said: “On Saturday, December 3, the occupants returned to the address after arriving home from an international trip.
“They contacted police just before 9pm to report a number of items of jewellery, including watches, had been stolen. Officers attended the address later that night and returned to speak to the occupants this morning.
“At this time it remains unclear on which date the property was stolen and establishing this forms a key part of our investigation.
“Inquiries into the full circumstances remain ongoing and officers will look at all available evidence including any CCTV opportunities.
“We are aware of media reports stating there were armed suspects involved, however, at this time, we would reassure our communities that no witnesses have come forward to this effect and there are no reports of any threats of violence linked to this incident.”
Surrey Police said no arrests have been made so far and it is urging anyone with information to “contact police directly if they have not already been spoken to”.