Liverpool FC to up security

Liverpool FC is to step up security at its players’ houses after Steven Gerrard became the club’s latest team member to be targeted by robbers during a football game. Police said the robbery was being linked to earlier break-ins at the homes of Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina. In the latest raid, Gerrard’s wife Alex Curran was confronted by four thieves wearing balaclavas or hoods as he led his team to victory against Marseille in the Champion’s League.

The robbery is the latest in a string of burglaries at the homes of Liverpool players during high-profile football games. Dirk Kuyt’s home in Woolton, was burgled last month while he was on international duty with Holland. The home of goalkeeper Reina, also in Woolton, was ransacked during last May’s Champions League semi-final. Earlier incidents took place in 2005 and 2006 at the homes of Jerzy Dudek, Daniel Agger, Peter Crouch and Florent Sinama-Pongolle.