Burglary gang has left me feeling fearful, says United star

NEWCASTLE striker Alexander Isak has revealed how he was left feeling “uneasy” and “unnerved” after being targeted by a gang of burglars.

- ROB KENNEDY

Four members of the same family had the Newcastle United training ground in Benton, North Tyneside, under surveillance before targeting Mr Isak’s home in Darras Hall, smashing their way in while he was at a colleague's home one evening last April. They stole cash and jewellery worth more than £70,000 and stole his Audi car, which Mr Isak said was used as a “battering ram” to get through his gates.

As Italian nationals Valentino Nikolov, Charlie Jovanovic, Jela Jovanovic and Giacomo Nikolov, who came to the UK specifically to carry out the high value heists, were locked up for a total of more than 30 years at Newcastle Crown Court for conspiracy to burgle, which also saw them target award-winning Newcastle charity boss Helen McArdle, statements from the victims were read.

Mr Isak said: “I’m a professional footballer contracted to Newcastle United Football Club. I've lived in the North East since August 2022 and during my initial period of time living there I had not experienced any problems with either criminal or other behaviour which negatively impacted on my wellbeing.

“Things changed, however, on April 4, 2024 when, following an evening at a colleague’s house, I returned to my home address to find I had been burgled and my car stolen from the drive.