A group of intruders have broken into a house where four footballers were sleeping, stealing their cars.
Three Essendon AFL footballers and a VFL player had their cars stolen in an aggravated burglary at their home in Melbourne's west last week.
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Home invasion leaves Essendon players shaken
Young Essendon footballers become the latest victims of a terrifying home invasion after the house they share in Maribyrnong was targeted by a gang of thugs.
A neighbour said she saw the footballers run after the cars screaming.
Victoria Police confirmed that burglars broke into a property in Maribyrnong just after 4am last Friday and stole wallets and the keys to a Mazda, two Holden Commodores and a Volkswagen.
It is believed there were at least four offenders, who detectives have been told were all men.
The house is occupied by four footballers; AFL-listed players Shaun McKernan, Jayden Laverde and Connor McKenna, as well as James Ferry, who plays for the Bombers' VFL team.
The players were asleep inside and by the time they realised they were being robbed, the offenders were fleeing the property.
None of the players were harmed but they are believed to be shaken.
Inspector Steve Cooper said there was no sign of a forced entry into the home.
"I don't believe a door was left open, whether it was unlocked or faulty, I don't know. There was no sign of forced entry, that's all I can say at this point in time," he said.
He said the offenders would not have known who they were burgling.
"I would suggest the offence is just random," he said.
The victims did not see the offenders, just the cars as they drove off, so it was unclear if they came armed.
"There is no suggestion at this point in time that the offenders were armed with any weapons, Inspector Cooper said.
The teenagers arrested with one of the cars on Sunday may not be responsible for the burglary.
"We don't know at this time if they're responsible for the aggravated burglary," he said.
The club has released a statement, saying the players were assisting police with their investigation.Â
Bombers head of football Rob Kerr said all four players were being offered support.Â
"This was obviously quite a frightening experience for the players involved," Kerr said.
"We are extremely thankful the players were not harmed, and we have offered them the appropriate avenues of support.
"The players are keen to put this unfortunate incident behind them, so we ask the media to please respect their privacy."
Sherry Detering, who lives across the road, said she was woken up by the sound of the Volkswagen crashing in front of the house.
An offender got out and jumped into one of the other stolen cars.
Ms Detering said the players ran after the cars screaming.Â
"We heard this great big crash. All we saw were the cars speeding off in opposite directions," Ms Detering said.
"It's lucky they weren't hurt themselves, it's bad enough having a car stolen."
Police said the thieves arrived at the property in a stolen Toyota Camry, which has since been recovered in Como Parade, Maribyrnong.
The Volkswagen stolen from the property has also been recovered in nearby Duffy Street and the two Holden Commodores were found in Macquarie Road, Wyndham Vale and Clement Street, Melton South on Sunday.
Three teenage boys, two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old, were arrested yesterday in Wyndham Vale and charged with the theft of the silver Commodore.
They were remanded in custody to face a childrens court on Monday.
They have not been charged with the burglary, so it's likely the offenders remain on the run.
The silver Mazda has not yet been found.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.