A SHAKEN Mrs Hinch has shared an emotional update after her late dad Alan’s jewellery was stolen in a burglary.
The social media star, whose real name is Sophie Hinchliffe, revealed the theft took place yesterday at her parents’ home in Maldon, Essex.
The influencer, 35, was left heartbroken after they broke into her grieving mum’s home and took “sentimental” and “irreplaceable” pieces.
Sophie has now given The Sun an exclusive update following the shock incident and said her mum feels like she’s “taken a step back”.
Speaking about her mum, Sophie said: “She’s understandably shaken. We all are. She’s being incredibly strong.
“The jewellery holds deep sentimental value to her, particularly as a connection to my dad, and that’s what hurts most right now.
“More than anything, I just want to be able to get the jewellery back for my mum.”
Sophie said she’s asked her mum to temporarily move in with her – but she insisted she is far too independent to be chased out of her home.
She shared: “A burglary can really affect anyone’s sense of safety, and as my mum is still adjusting to living alone, this has been particularly unsettling for her and has felt like a step backwards.
“Of course, I would have her live with me in a heartbeat, but she values her independence, and like me, she enjoys being in her own home which I completely understand and respect.
“We’re allowing her to lead the way with any decisions.”
The theft was even more callous act because they stole items that has a special link to her late father.
Mrs Hinch‘s dad died suddenly in his sleep in April 2024, a month after being hospitalised with respiratory issues.
She said: “Grief is always there. It never truly leaves. The rings were a very meaningful link to my dad, and losing them has brought up a lot of emotions.
“More than anything, I just hope the jewellery can be found and safely returned home to my mum where it belongs.”
Since posting the Instagram story last night, Sophie has been inundated with kind messages from her followers.
Opening up on whether there had been any leads, she said: “We’ve been very touched by the kindness and concern shown since sharing the post.
“The police are aware, fully involved, and supporting where they can. The area is being watched and camera footage is being reviewed.”
The popular social media star has pleaded with the thieves to “do the right thing” and return the possessions.
While she admitted she felt sick at the thought of strangers rummaging through her parents belonging.
She said: “What was taken goes far beyond material value. They are deeply sentimental pieces and irreplaceable. These were engagement, wedding, and eternity rings; each holding a lifetime of memories between my mum and dad.”
“The thought of someone breaking into my mum’s home and then going into her bedroom and taking something so personal is shocking and cruel.
“She was keeping them safe at home because they’re too loose for her right now.
“She was so scared of ever losing them and now they’ve been taken from her. I still can’t believe it.
“If there is any conscience at all, I urge whoever has them to do the right thing and return them. Please.”
VILE ACT
On Tuesday, Sophie shared the news on her social media to reveal what had happened.
She fumed on Instagram: “You broke into a grieving woman’s home and stole her jewellery! Items that belonged to my late dad. Sentimental, irreplaceable pieces that you had NO right to touch.
“Let me be very clear!!! This WILL NOT be dropped.”
Sophie continued: “That jewellery may be worthless to you, but it’s priceless to my mum. She has already lost her husband and is trying to piece her life together, and you chose to violate her home and rip away what little she had left of him.
“You knew exactly what you were doing. This is beyond theft!! It is cruel, disgusting, and cowardly.”
The statement was followed by a picture of two of the rings taken, gold wedding and engagement bands.
Sophie’s previously opened up about her father’s death and how she had handled the grief.
“I feel like I’ve been in hibernation,” Mrs Hinch told us in November.
“But I’m grateful to be back and doing this. I had to announce why I had been off for so long, and the amount of messages I received. . . I realised I wasn’t alone. There was a community who could support each other. I don’t think my followers will ever realise how much they helped me.
“I don’t really know how to talk about grief. I can’t put it into words. One minute, you feel crazy because it’s changed my life beyond words. Me, my family and the dynamic – everything has changed, but everything still just carries on.
“People think you are OK, but you’re not. It’s the club no one wants to be part of, but once you are in, then you can’t get out.”
Mum-of-three Mrs Hinch paid tribute to her dad by giving her youngest son Vinnie, born last February, the middle names Alan and Barker (her maiden name).
She is famous for her cleaning hacks and has 4.8million followers on Instagram.
You can submit information via Essex Police online reporting service, use our Live Chat, or call 101 quoting reference 42/13976/26.
