Footballers are being urged to employ private security guards to secure their homes while they are at the World Cup in South Africa, reports The Times. After a series of raids on properties owned by Premier League stars while they are playing, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has warned players that the "crime wave has reached alarming proportions".

In the past four years 25 Premier League players have been burgled and the association is urging them to install the "utmost in security systems at their homes" to deter burglars who know when they are out.

In the latest edition of The Players Club, the PFA magazine, players are warned about being prime targets.

The PFA website states that the homes of players have come "under attack from raiders with no regard for others more fortunate than themselves.

"It is a crime wave," it says, "targeted at wealthy professional footballers, that has reached alarming proportions and it is so important that we get across the message, to players and clubs, of the desperate need to install the utmost in security systems and devices at their homes."

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the PFA, told The Times: "There is a great deal of publicity given about footballers and their fixtures. We are talking about making sure their homes are patrolled and that they do everything possible within the home with regard to security."

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