Newcastle Forward Isak Targeted by ‘Expert Team of Travelling Burglars’

The home of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was targeted by a “professional group of travelling burglars,” resulting in the theft of his Audi car and jewellery valued at £68,000, according to court proceedings on Wednesday.

During the break-in last April, the Swedish forward was away from his residence in Northumberland, located in the northeast of England. The Newcastle Crown Court heard that the intruders gained entry through a glass door.

In the days leading up to this incident, the thieves had already committed other significant thefts, including jewellery and clothing worth over £1 million from a businesswoman and designer items valued at £100,000 from another victim.

Three members of a family residing in Italy have confessed to conspiracy to commit burglary, as revealed in court.

A fourth family member, 32-year-old Valentino Nikolov, has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor Dan Cordey reported that Isak left his home between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM BST on April 4th and discovered the break-in upon his return.

The burglars specifically targeted his TV room, engaging in what Cordey described as an “untidy search.”

They made off with cash estimated between £5,000 and £10,000, alongside jewellery worth around £68,000, and Isak’s Audi, which was later found abandoned by a member of the public, the jurors were informed.

CCTV footage captured the break-in.

“This was a highly organised group of travelling burglars,” Cordey stated.

“The group consisted of one female and three males, all related. Two of the men and the female have pleaded guilty to their involvement.”

The fourth defendant is Valentino Nikolov.

The group entered the UK via a ferry from Calais to Dover the previous March and used a motor-home as their operational base, the court was informed.

Nikolov, who resides in Birmingham, is acting as his own counsel during the trial and has requested an Italian interpreter.

The jury heard that his sibling Giacomo Nikolov, 28, his sister Jela Jovanovic, 43, and her son Charlie Jovanovic, 23, who all live in Italy, have accepted their guilt concerning the conspiracy to commit burglary.

This season, Isak has been making a significant impact for Newcastle, netting 22 goals across all competitions, with Eddie Howe’s side set to challenge Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 16.

Read about why Arsenal should consider signing Isak here.