Jack Grealish has spoken out after his Cheshire mansion was raided by thieves for £1million worth of jewelery on Boxing Day while his family were inside.
The 28-year-old footballer has spoken of his despair over the “traumatic” incident which left his loved ones terrified as he insisted their safety was his top priority.
Footballer Jack's fiancée Sasha Attwood, 28, was watching Jack's game at her home with his family and pressed a panic button when the burglars struck.
It is believed that ten relatives – including Sasha, his parents, two sisters and his brother – were at the property at the time of the break-in.
Jack shared a picture of himself with his dog and addressed the incident for the first time on Instagram on Sunday: “I can't express how devastated I am about the break-in that happened at my house a few days ago took place.”
Jack Grealish has spoken out after his Cheshire mansion was raided by thieves on Boxing Day to steal £1million worth of jewelery while his family were inside (pictured on Saturday).
The 28-year-old footballer shared a picture of himself looking relaxed with his dog on Sunday and said he was devastated by the “traumatic” incident which left his loved ones terrified
Ten relatives – including his fiancée Sasha Attwood, his parents, two sisters and his brother – are believed to have been staying at the property
“My family means a lot to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety.” This was a traumatic experience for all of us. I'm just so grateful that no one was hurt.
“I've had so many great experiences and successes in the last 12 months, but to be honest it doesn't feel like I'm celebrating the best year of my life in football right now.”
“The people who commit these terrible crimes have no idea the damage they are causing to people's lives. “I hope they are found and brought to justice so that no other family has to suffer what we have.
“I appreciate everyone’s messages and the support from my friends, teammates and the club.”
“On a more positive note, I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past year and wish you and your family a happy 2024.”
Jack's family were forced to flee and hide in the £5.6million mansion, which Jack had just moved into before Christmas, while police urged neighbors to lock their doors and stay in their homes.
Police officers, fearing they were at risk of being taken hostage, rushed to the scene and even used a helicopter to search the area, but the perpetrators managed to escape with £1 million worth of jewellery.
A source told The Sun: “The family is really shaken.” The gang stole numerous watches and jewelry.
Footballer Jack's fiancée Sasha, 28, was with his family at their home in Cheshire when the burglars struck as they pressed panic buttons in the house
Jack was playing in Manchester City's 3-1 away win over Everton at the time of the break-in
“They carried out their raid as Manchester City were playing live on TV and his whole family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.”
“No one was hurt, but there was a lot of panic.” Everyone was scared because they were all so vulnerable.
“It's a huge property so it's understandable why no one heard anything at first.” It was also the family's first time visiting the property so they were unfamiliar with the property.
“When the dogs went crazy and they heard people sneaking around, they activated the security panic alarm.”
Police investigating the raid believe the gang received inside information about his whereabouts.
On December 26, burglars attacked the Manchester City winger's home in Cheshire as he played against Everton at Goodison Park.
Authorities are reportedly looking into whether the gang had “inside information” that he would not be home at the time.
A source told Web that such crimes are often committed by “serious organized crime networks” who have “vast information about what players are doing and when.”
They added that gangs would pay “big money” to people who could give them inside information and help organize a raid.
The source said: “One theory currently being investigated is that movers were followed in the days Jack moved into the property.”
“Vehicles came and went for days until Jack and his girlfriend got the keys.
“For burglars who want to carry out a raid, this is like red meat.” Therefore, the police will look back in the days before the raid to see whether there are any clues at all.
“Another area they will look into is whether the gang had any inside information.”
“These raids are carried out by reputable organized crime networks, often based abroad, with extensive information about what players are doing and when.”
“They pay a lot of money for tips that help carry out such raids.”
Jack Grealish, pictured on Instagram with his fiancée Sasha, poses in his rose gold Rolex
Web also learned that Jack's fiancée was left “scared” by the Boxing Day raid – and no longer feels safe alone at the property.
A source said: “Sasha is devastated about this. Sasha had to deal with repeated death threats and online abuse while she was with Jack.
“But this feels completely different.” The fact that people come to their new homes in this way scared her. She hasn't been alone since the incident and doesn't want to be alone now.
“Jack is particularly angry about the impact this has had on Sasha. They have been together for almost half of his life and he loves her more than anything.
“He'll do anything to protect her now. “They have their dream home, but it means nothing if she's not happy and Jack wants her to feel as safe as possible in it.”
Details of the anguish Sasha is feeling are emerging as police continue to investigate the Boxing Day incident.
Officials are under great pressure to find out who is responsible as hardly any cases involving Premier League players are solved.
“The police want to find out who did this,” our source said. “Time and time again, burglars who are targeting players seem to disappear off the face of the earth and never see the stolen items again.”
“Investigators have told Jack and his management that they firmly believe this case will be different and that they will do everything they can to catch the gang behind it.”
Yesterday, Web revealed that the raid could have been carried out by a South American gang – and that those behind it may have already fled the country.
We also told how cops are investigating whether burglars tracked down moving vans coming and going from Grealish's mansion in Cheshire.
The gang is based in an area called the “Golden Triangle,” which has been marked repeatedly over the past three years by professional gangs from Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Peru.
Experts believe they probably flew to Britain specifically for the raid and may have already returned to South America.
Up to 500 burglars from these South American countries travel to the UK every year to attack homes in Cheshire, the Home Counties, London and Surrey.
Former Met detective Peter Bleksley said: “This looks and sounds like a gang from South America who have come here to break in.” “The area is exactly where they initially operate.”
Jack returned to the pitch in Man City's 2-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United yesterday and played until the start of the second half.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly told his stars to limit their use of social media to reduce the chances of them falling victim to similar attacks.
He told reporters earlier this week: “Today you definitely have to be careful.” “Not much on social media. The less they know about what you do, the better.”