Newcastle United footballer Alexander Isak’s home was burgled. Thieves stole cash, jewelry, and his car. Three have admitted guilt.
They had already stolen from two other women. A businesswoman lost jewelry and clothes, worth over £1 million, while another woman on Wearside lost designer items worth £100,000.
Three family members from Italy admitted to burglary conspiracy. They appeared in Newcastle Crown Court, but Valentino Nikolov, age 32, denies the charge. He is from the same family.
Isak left his house on April 4th, between 4 PM and 10 PM. Upon his return, he noticed the bins had moved and subsequently found evidence of the break-in.
The gang broke into Isak’s TV room and conducted a messy search. They stole £5,000 to £10,000 in cash and jewellery worth about £68,000. His Audi car was also stolen and later found abandoned.
The gang even took an old safe left by the previous owner; however, the safe was empty. A “doggy cam” recorded CCTV images of the burglary.
The prosecutor described them as professional burglars. The group included three men and one woman, who were all related to each other. Two men and the woman pleaded guilty, but only one man has pleaded not guilty.
The gang arrived from Calais to Dover by ferry in March, using a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome. They first went to London and then travelled to the North East.
The Citroen transported the thieves to break-ins, while the motorhome served as their base. Valentino Nikolov is representing himself at the trial and needs an Italian interpreter.
His brother, Giacomo Nikolov, age 28, admitted guilt, and sister Jela Jovanovic, 43, also admitted guilt. Her son, Charlie Jovanovic, 23, also confessed; they all live in Italy. Safet Ramic, Valentino Nikolov’s ex-partner’s father, denies handling stolen goods; he is 58 and from Birmingham.