Overview
- An anonymous security consultant told The Mail that a major club has hired former MMA fighters to protect Cheshire-based players and their families.
- One fighter reportedly provides close protection while another house-sits during away trips, with gangs said to strike when players are in Europe.
- The Golden Triangle — Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Prestbury — has seen repeated high-value burglaries affecting footballers and other affluent residents.
- Jack Grealish called a December 2023 £1 million burglary at his home traumatic, and Raheem Sterling has also been targeted; organiser Thomas Mee admitted conspiracy to burgle in 2020.
- The latest accounts of ex-fighters being hired are reported by multiple outlets but are not independently confirmed by named players or clubs.