Man arrested after Chelsea’s Reece James’ home burglary

JOE

James had some medals stolen in the burglary

A man remains under investigation after being arrested by police following a burglary at the home of Chelsea’s Reece James last year.

James posted CCTV footage to his Instagram page shortly after the burglary, which took place while he was playing in a Champions League game for his club against Zenit St Petersburg last September.

The England international revealed he had his Champions League and Super Cup winners’ medals stolen during the incident, along with a runners-up medal from Euro 2020.

All the medals had been in a safe at the time, which was lifted from his property and put into the boot of a car being used by the robbers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CT4iUXDofd4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=fc244799-a339-4970-9db4-42880ddf3879

Police confirm arrest

Surrey Police has now confirmed a 31-year-old man from Blackwater, Hampshire, has been arrested in connection with the burglary. Another man had also been arrested by officers but has since been released without charge.

A Surrey Police spokesman said: ‘Officers were called to an address in Four Acres, Cobham on Wednesday, September 15 following reports of a residential burglary. Investigating officers have arrested two men in connection with this investigation.

‘A 31-year-old man from Blackwater has been arrested on suspicion of burglary dwelling. He has since been released under investigation.

‘Another man, a 33-year-old from Epsom was also arrested but since been released without further action. The investigation remains ongoing.’

James on burglary

“On the evening of the 14th of September 2021 when I was playing for my club in the return of the Champions League, a group of cowardly robbers broke into my house,” James explained on his Instagram, shortly after the break-in.

“They managed to collectively lift a heavy safe containing some personal items of mine into their car.

“I never keep any jewellery of mine in my house so all that was contained in the safe were my Champions League winners medal and Super Cup winners medal and the runners up medal for the Euro 2020.

“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.

“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.”