The home of Manchester City defender Rúben Dias and his girlfriend, TV presenter Maya Jama, was targeted in a well-organized burglary in the upscale Cheshire village of Alderley Edge, with thieves making off with valuables worth millions of pounds. The incident occurred at a sensitive time when the couple were away from home, raising questions about the extent to which criminals monitor celebrities' movements.
According to reports, Jama (31) was in South Africa filming the show “Love Island: All Stars,” while Diaz was in Manchester preparing for his team’s Champions League match against Galatasaray. Cheshire Police confirmed they received a report of a burglary late Wednesday night, January 28, stating that “forced entry was made and some items were stolen,” and that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident and apprehend the perpetrators.
Broader context: The phenomenon of targeting players' homes
This incident is not an isolated case, but rather part of a worrying pattern of criminal activity targeting prominent footballers in the UK, particularly in the North West region, home to Manchester United and Liverpool. The homes of players, often located in affluent and secluded areas such as Cheshire's "Golden Triangle," have become prime targets for specialized gangs who exploit the players' absence during matches or travel to carry out their operations. Recent years have seen similar incidents involving high-profile stars such as Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba, and João Cancelo, reflecting the growing audacity and evolving tactics of these gangs.
Psychological impact and strict security measures
The repercussions of these thefts extend far beyond financial losses, leaving a profound psychological impact on the players and their families, shattering their sense of security in their most private spaces. As a result, many stars have been forced to invest heavily in bolstering their home security, installing sophisticated surveillance systems, hiring personal security guards, and even building secure rooms. For its part, Manchester City is offering its players its full support in these circumstances, as confirmed by assistant manager Pep Lijnders: “We are trying to support him, of course, as a club… These are things no one wishes to happen to, and we will continue to support him.”.
It is worth noting that Diaz and Gama's 6,300-square-foot home is already equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including surveillance cameras, electric gates, and an advanced alarm system, highlighting the scale of the challenge that authorities and players alike face in confronting this type of organized crime.
