‘Professional travelling burglar’ broke into Newcastle striker Alexander Isak’s home and stole jewellery worth £68,000

A Professional Gang and a Premier League Target: The Burglary at Alexander Isak’s Home

In a shocking turn of events, a member of a notorious gang of traveling burglars has been convicted for breaking into the home of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. Valentino Nikolov, a 32-year-old from Birmingham, was found guilty of stealing jewellery worth £68,000, as well as a significant amount of cash and the footballer’s high-end sports car. The incident, which took place in April 2024, involved Nikolov and three members of his family, who admitted to their roles in the crime. Isak, who was not present at his Northumberland home during the break-in, had just celebrated a major victory with Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

The Break-In: A Calculated Raid on an Empty Home

Prosecutors revealed that Isak left his home between 4pm and 10pm on April 4, 2024, and returned to find evidence of the break-in, including moved bins. The gang, described as a "professional group of travelling burglars," smashed a glass door to gain entry. Once inside, they conducted an "untidy search" of the property, targeting valuables. Among the stolen items were bespoke men’s jewellery from Frost of London, estimated to be worth £68,000, and between £5,000 and £10,000 in cash. The gang also made off with Isak’s Audi RS6 estate car. A safe belonging to the previous tenant was taken but later found to contain nothing of value. The car was eventually abandoned and recovered by police after a member of the public reported it.

The Nikolov Family: A Close-Knit Group with a Criminal Enterprise

Valentino Nikolov’s family members—his brother Giacomo Nikolov, sister Jela Jovanovic, and her son Charlie Jovanovic—admitted to conspiracy to burglary. However, Valentino denied the charges and represented himself in court, using an Italian interpreter during the trial. The family, who are based in Italy, traveled to the UK to carry out the burglary. They arrived in the country via a ferry from Calais to Dover in March 2024, using a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome. The motorhome served as their base, while the Citroen was used to travel to their targets. Nikolov’s three relatives will be sentenced at a later date, while Nikolov himself was convicted on Tuesday following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

APattern of High-Value Thefts Across the UK

This was not the first high-profile burglary carried out by the Nikolov gang. In the days leading up to the break-in at Isak’s home, the group had already stolen jewellery and clothes worth over £1 million, including a CBE medal belonging to Tyneside businesswoman Helen McArdle, and designer goods worth £100,000 from a woman in Whitburn, Sunderland. Their crimes were meticulously planned and executed, with the gang targeting luxury items and cash. The prosecution described them as a well-organized group, capable of carrying out sophisticated raids on high-value properties.

Evidence and Investigation: ‘Doggy Cam’ Footage and Abandoned Vehicles

The investigation into the burglary was aided by CCTV footage, including images recorded on a "doggy cam"—a camera used to monitor pets. This footage helped identify the gang and link them to the crime. Additionally, the abandoned Audi RS6 estate car, which was later found by police, provided further evidence of their involvement. The stolen safe, which was taken but contained nothing of value, further highlighted the gang’s focus on high-value items.Prosecutor Dan Cordey described the Nikolovs as a professional group, noting that two of the men and one woman involved had already admitted their roles in the burglary. Valentino Nikolov, however, maintained his innocence until he was convicted by the jury.

Conclusion: Justice Served, but Questions Remain

While Valentino Nikolov’s conviction brings some closure to the case, questions remain about how such a brazen burglary was carried out in the first place. The Nikolov gang’s ability to travel across the UK, targeting high-profile individuals and luxury properties, raises concerns about the security of high-value homes and the challenges of combating organised crime. Isak, who has had a stellar season with Newcastle United, will no doubt be relieved that justice has been served, but the incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by prominent figures. As the Nikolov family awaits sentencing, their conviction serves as a warning to other would-be burglars: no matter how sophisticated the plan, crime ultimately does not pay.