Albanian burglars chased by ex-Aston Villa and Brentford player jailed for break-in spree

Two Albanian burglars have been jailed for 56 months each after targeting seven properties, including the home of a footballer.

Denis Puka, 28, Erisjan Laska, 29, and a third unidentified man equipped themselves with masks, tools and walkie-talkies to go on a string of break-ins last year.

Their operation had been "sophisticated and well-planned", Judge Steven Everett said.

The trio booked an Airbnb room in Warrington to use as a base for their offending. From there, they travelled into Cheshire in a Seat Leon car fitted with three false registration plates.

Among the properties they targeted between 5-7 June was that of Scott Hogan, 33, a former Aston Villa, Brentford and Birmingham City footballer who now plays for MK Dons.

On 7 June, he was woken up by torchlight shining though his bedroom window at around 11.30pm.

During the attempted burglary, Mr Hogan's then-pregnant wife and his young daughter were in the house

Prosecutor Nardeen Nemat said: "The defendants climbed over the fence and into the garden. One defendant climbed onto the shoulder of another, and climbed up the trellising on the house to reach the bedroom window.

"Mr Hogan was in his bedroom when he was woken up by a torch light shining through his bedroom window. He looked out and saw three males on the ground."

She added that Mr Hogan ran after the males, but the males ran away."

'Sleepless nights full of stress and anxiety'

He told the court that the incident had "led to many sleepless nights full of stress and anxiety".

He said: "I can't put into words completely what a dramatic effect this has had on me and my family."

While nothing was stolen, Mr Hogan has since installed a new security system to protect his family.

Prior to the attempted raid on Mr Horgan's house, two addresses were targeted on 5 June.

The defendants gained access to one of the properties, and ransacked every room except the bedroom, where their victims were sleeping, although nothing was stolen on either occasion.

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The following night they again came away empty handed after being disturbed while targeting houses in Grappenhall and Knutsford, but were later successful at a mansion in Northwich as the owners were away in holiday.

The defendants stole Breitling and Rolex watches - worth £9,000 in total.

They were arrested after the Seat Leon was recovered from a housing estate in Warrington more than a week later with various items found inside including mobile phones, clothing worn by the defendants, tools and the false registration plates.

Sentencing the pair on Tuesday, Judge Everett told them: "What is clear is that this was a sophisticated, well-planned conspiracy.

"Each of you should understand the sheer devastation you caused by your selfish and despicable acts."

(c) Sky News 2026: Albanian burglars chased by ex-Aston Villa and Brentford player jailed for break-in spree