1 month ago
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THE gang who burgled England cricket captain Ben Stokes’ home may have planned the raid using a video tour he starred in.
He showed a cameraman round the mansion for a 16-minute film released on Indian streaming app Fancode, unavailable in the UK.
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EPABut it was later posted on Instagram and YouTube, allowing it to be viewed here.
It is feared the video reveals entry points, including patio doors, and the location of sporting memorabilia.
The film — titled “Ben Stokes takes us on a tour of his house!” — was produced by sports media firm 4C.
Among the items stolen was a gold 4C pendant.
Other valuables grabbed included his OBE, a gold lion necklace, and a ring with the England Cricket crest.
Last night experts warned such detailed footage is a dream to criminals, and the film is now expected to form part of the police probe.
Christian Hill, managing director of security firm Intelligent Protection, has previously warned of the dangers of sports stars revealing too much of their home lives.
He said: “It’s a shame because these people should be able to share their experiences and what has made them and how they have achieved everything without anything bad happening.
“But sadly that is not the world we live in.”
All-rounder Stokes, 33, wife Clare Ratcliffe, 34, son Layton, 12, and daughter Libby, nine, moved into the house in Castle Eden, Co Durham, in 2017.
They paid £1.7million for it, before spending a fortune refurbishing it.
Stokes says on the video: “We’ve had a lot of work done.
“We had it all redone.”
The family discovered the break-in at 11.30pm, a few hours after it happened, on October 17.
Stokes was on tour in Pakistan.
In an online plea for information to help catch the thieves, he said “by far the worst thing about this crime” was the effect on his wife and kids.
He added: “The experience has had an impact on their emotional and mental state.
“All we can think about is how much worse this situation could have been.”
The gang are suspected of stealing one of his luxury cars, thought to have been recovered thanks to the tracking system.
Yesterday Stokes was spotted ensuring the front gates were locked before heading back inside.
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InstagramAWAY DAY DANGER
By Robin Perrie
THE raid has the hallmarks of “Away Day” gangs who target footballers playing in matches.
Newcastle United stars Alexander Isak and Joelinton, have both been burgled in upmarket Ponteland, a few miles north of Stokes’ home.
A neighbour said: “Ben is seen like a footballer because of his wealth and high profile.”
Another added: “For something like this to happen while his wife and kids were home has shocked people.”
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