Arsenal have Met Police officer at training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves

ARSENAL have a Met Police officer stationed at their training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves.

Last month, the cop approached two men taking photos of players at the London Colney site in Herts.

Defender Sead Kolasinac protects Mesut Özil when knife-wielding thugs attempted to rob them

AP:Associated PressMesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were targeted by moped thieves[/caption]

He said: “There are concerns people are photographing players’ cars and following them home.”

In 2021, Sead Kolasinac was filmed fighting off a pair of knife-wielding street thugs trying to rob teammate Mesut Özil.

The players have since left the club.

There are fears criminals could hide among fans looking for autographs, then make off with players’ fancy watches or supercars.

One supporter said the officer, wearing an Arsenal lanyard, told him and his pal: “I’m based here.”

He then asked to see identification.

Soon after, stars drove up including centre back Rob Holding, 27, England ace Bukayo Saka, 21, Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, 25, and Belgian international Leandro Trossard, 28.

A Met spokesman said: “Each London club has a Dedicated Football Officer who acts as a liaison between police, fans and the club.

“These officers are responsible for dealing with any policing issues and crime relating to the club.

“They will have regular visits to the club, including meetings at stadiums and training grounds, in order to discuss policing priorities in these areas.

“However, they are predominantly based in a police building in central London.”

Arsenal said they would not comment on the security of their players.