Chelsea right-back Reece James has released CCTV footage showing how a gang of thieves who invaded his house stole a box containing football medals.
The medals in the box are the UEFA Champions League winners medal he won while representing Chelsea in the 2020-2021 season, the UEFA Super Cup winners medal, and the Euro 2020 runners-up medal.
The robbery took place on Tuesday night, September 14, 2021, when Reece James was playing for Chelsea against Zenit at Stamford Bridge during a UEFA Champions League group stage game.
In an Instagram post, the 21-year-old England international shared on Thursday, September 16, the gang of thieves numbering over four was seen moving a black box out of the footballer’s house.
Some of them were seen forcefully opening the gate to Reece James’s house so that they could drive in a vehicle to pick up the box.
The thieves who were completely masked succeeded in stealing the box and drove away without any altercation with security guards.
In the caption of the Instagram post, Reece James confirmed that no one was home when the gang of thieves invaded his house.
James also confirmed that the security operatives have had a series of evidence that would help them apprehend the culprits behind the robbery.
Despite that, the English defender urged Chelsea fans and the supporters of the England national team to help in fishing out the culprits.
He wrote: “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.
“They managed to collectively lift a heavy safe containing some personal items of mine into their car. I never keep any jewelry 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 – honors 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 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.”
Watch how the robbers stole Reece James’ box containing Champions League medal
James has been robbed before
The robbery that took place at Reece James’ house on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, was not the first time the footballer was robbed.
In December 2020, Reece James went to share charity gifts including food to poor children ahead of last year’s Christmas. When he returned to his car, he discovered that the windows of his car were broken and some gifts in the car were stolen away.
Reece James wrote: “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.”
