John Terry has become the latest footballer to get a family protection dog after being left ‘traumatised’ by a £400,000 raid at his £5million Surrey mansion in February 2017.
Aston Villa’s assistant head coach, 39, took to Instagram on Wednesday to upload an image of his new Czech German Shepherd alongside the caption: ‘Welcome to the family.’
The dogs, provided by special protection dog company, Chaperone K9, are able to recognise and deal with a number of different threats, including home invasion, road rage and fighting off physical attacks.
Protection: John Terry has become the latest footballer to get a family dog after being left ‘traumatised’ by a £400,000 raid at his £5M Surrey mansion in February 2017
Chelsea icon John has appeared to ward off danger by proudly showing off the latest addition to his family on social media.
The sportsman and his wife Toni, who put their home up for sale in March, were left shocked when burglars defecated at the foot of their bed three years ago.
Darren Eastaugh, 30, Joshua Sumer, 27, Roy Head, 28, and Oliver Hart, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit burglary between February 1 and March 27.
The conspiracy involved seven burglaries across Surrey and Sussex. All four were jailed for a total of 27 years and 11 months at Kingston Crown Court.
New addition: Aston Villa’s coach, 39, took to Instagram on Wednesday to upload an image of his new Czech German Shepherd alongside the caption: ‘Welcome to the family’
Tough times: The sportsman and his wife Toni, who put their home up for sale in March, were left shocked when burglars defecated at the foot of their bed three years ago
A fifth man, Kye Hardy-King, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of handling stolen goods when some of the stolen property was found at his home. Police were able to trace them using DNA from the excrement left at the scene.
The thugs struck after the footballer posed for pictures on the slopes of the French Alps with his long-term partner, revealing to his 3.4million followers that he was having a ‘great few days away skiing with the family’.
But while the pair happily shared photos and videos of their lavish holiday, they didn’t realise the posts had attracted the attention of a ruthless gang of prolific burglars.
Victims: The thugs struck after the footballer posed for pictures on the slopes of the French Alps with his long-term partner
The men spent hours ransacking the property, swiping designer handbags worth £126,000 and rare signed first edition Harry Potter books valued at £18,000.
It was recently revealed that Kate and Rio Ferdinand have also splashed out £40,000 on a pair of highly-trained dogs to protect their home.
The celebrity couple, who are expecting their first baby together this year, are said to want extra security at their mansion.
Security: It was recently revealed that Kate and Rio Ferdinand have also splashed out £40,000 on a pair of highly-trained dogs to protect their home
The football pundit, 41, and the former TOWIE star, 29, have reportedly bought a pair of black German shepherds.
A source told The Sun: ‘One is already at their home, and the second will be joining shortly.
‘The couple already have a dog – Kate’s chihuahua – but Rio will enjoy walking these pair a lot more!
‘They are incredible family dogs and will protect them like nothing else – everyone has one these days and who can blame them after everything that’s happened with the other footballers. Rio is taking no chances!’
New protection: The dogs, provided by special protection dog company, Chaperone K9, are able to recognise and deal with a number of different threats (their reported dogs pictured)
Proud new owner: The pundit posed with one of his new dogs alongside Kate’s chihuahua
It comes after a number of high-profile burglaries at footballers’ homes, with Dele Alli and Fabinho among those targeted recently.
Chaperone K9 shared a snap of the new protection dogs on their Instagram, tagging Kate and Rio in the post before they edited it.
They also previously posted a photo of Rio posing with one of the dogs’s alongside Kate’s chihuahua.
Their website states: ‘We are renowned for supplying trained dogs to the very highest quality that offer both security and love to their new families in an often unpredictable society.
Man’s best friend: Among their other celebrity clients are footballers Raheem Sterling (pictured) and Marcus Rashford, as well as rapper Stormzy
Loyal companion: Manchester United ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also received a protection dog from the company
‘We have truly bridged the gap between security dogs and family pets.
‘We run a specialist in house training programme for a minimum of six months with a dedicated team of eight staff who expose the dogs to as many different experiences and environments so that they are fully prepared for all eventualities.’
Among their other celebrity clients are footballers Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, as well as rapper Stormzy.