Television presenter Maya Jama and her partner, Manchester City footballer Ruben Dias, have been left 'devastated' after their £4 million rented home in Cheshire was targeted by burglars in a calculated raid. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, taking advantage of the couple's absence, with Dias playing an away match for his club against Galatasaray and Jama filming abroad for Love Island: All Stars in South Africa.
Targeted Attack on Celebrity Couple's New Home
The burglars ransacked the property in Alderley Edge, making off with thousands of pounds worth of designer clothing, jewellery, and electronics. Dias reportedly raised the alarm upon returning home from the match to discover the house turned upside down and valuable items missing. A source close to the couple revealed their profound distress, stating, 'They are devastated, the house is the first they have moved into as a couple and is very special to them. Thankfully, neither was at home, but they are very upset that their personal space has been invaded.'
A Special First Home Together
The couple had only recently moved into the ultra-modern mansion, which they are renting for an estimated £20,000 per month. The property was originally won through an Omaze prize draw by mother Emily Ward with a £25 ticket, and she remains the listed owner. For Jama and Dias, this home held significant sentimental value. 'Maya was very proud to move into her first home with Ruben and took lots of videos and pictures while in the house which she posted on her social media,' the insider added, noting that previously, the couple had been living separately between London and a city centre flat.
Police Investigation Underway
Cheshire Police confirmed they were called shortly after 11:10 PM on Wednesday, 28th January, to reports of a burglary at an address in Alderley Edge. Officers attended and found that entry had been forced and a number of items stolen. Enquiries are currently ongoing. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both Jama and Dias, as well as Cheshire Police, for further comment.
Luxury Property with Sophisticated Security
The stunning 6,300 square foot, four-bedroom home boasts panoramic views, landscaped gardens, and a luxury indoor leisure suite. Notably, it is also equipped with a sophisticated security system, highlighting the brazen nature of the attack. The mansion, which is also on the market for sale, was spotted by the couple during a viewing back in November.
A Growing Trend in Cheshire's 'Golden Triangle'
This incident underscores a worrying trend affecting high-profile residents in Cheshire's affluent areas, particularly the so-called 'Golden Triangle' encompassing Alderley Edge, Prestbury, and Wilmslow. This region has long been a magnet for Premier League footballers and celebrities, with property values reaching into the millions. Safety advisors have recently warned of the perils facing celebrities in these exclusive postcodes.
Other Footballers Targeted
Other footballers in the area have fallen victim to similar crimes in recent years. England star Jack Grealish had his £5.6 million mansion in Chelford targeted on Boxing Day 2023, with thieves stealing £1 million worth of jewellery while his family was at home. Police sources suggested the gang may have had 'inside information'. Similarly, the Cheshire home of Little Mix star Perrie Edwards and her ex-Liverpool footballer fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was burgled, with raiders using a ladder to gain entry—a tactic also feared in the Grealish case. Former West Ham United striker Nicky Maynard's home was also targeted last year while he and his family were dining out.
The Couple's Relationship and Recent Activities
Jama and Dias are believed to have met at the European Music Awards (EMAs) in November 2024, with their romance confirmed publicly in April last year. Dias recently spoke about their relationship for the first time, telling The Telegraph that while they are aware of the publicity, 'you don't make it about it. You make it about everything else.' The couple spent their second Christmas together, enjoying a festive trip to Paris which included a visit to Disneyland Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
The burglary has cast a shadow over what should have been a joyful period in their new home, leaving the couple to deal with the violation of their personal space and the loss of cherished belongings as police continue their investigations.