Sterling World Cup break-in 'prompts players to rethink security at homes'

The break-in that has led England star Raheem Sterling to return home from the World Cup has reportedly prompted other players to bolster security arrangements at their properties.

The Chelsea forward is the latest in a long line of Premier League players whose homes have been targeted while they were away with their clubs or national team.

Sterling's participation in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against France is in doubt after he returned from Qatar to be with his family.

Sterling left the squad after he was omitted from the squad for Sunday's 3-0 win over Senegal to deal with what the Football Association said was a "family matter" following a break-in at his family home in Oxshott, southwest of London, late Saturday.

Conflicting versions of what happened have emerged.

Sterling's spokesperson said on Sunday the intruders were armed and the family were home.

But Surrey Police, in a statement issued Monday, insisted the property had been vacant and the break-in had not involved violence at all.

"The occupants of the property came home and discovered a number of items including jewellery and watches had been stolen," the force said.

"Enquiries to establish the circumstances are underway and the investigation is ongoing.

"No threat of violence was involved as the items were discovered stolen retrospectively."

Security experts have long warned that Premier League footballers' widely known schedules and visible wealth make their properties obvious targets for criminals.

The Daily Mail reported that given what had happened at Sterling's home, his England team-mates -- some of whom have now have their partners and families with them in Qatar -- were looking at bolstering their own security arrangements.

Some already employ