The story of how an Italian family targeted Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak’s home, stealing luxury items and spreading fear, has concluded with their imprisonment. The Isak home raid, part of a larger series of burglaries, saw the criminals use sophisticated methods that left victims feeling violated and insecure. Now, the family faces legal consequences for their actions.

This article explores the details of this high-profile case, drawing on reports from Newcastle Crown Court and the statements of prosecutor Daniel Cordey. According to reports from Newcastle Crown Court, the Isak home raid was part of a larger series of burglaries committed by an Italian family, revealing a pattern of calculated theft and disregard for their victims’ well-being.

The Isak Home Raid: A Targeted Attack

The Isak home raid was a carefully planned operation. The burglars meticulously monitored Newcastle United’s training ground for two days. On April 4th, while Isak was away visiting a teammate, they put their plan into action. The intruders smashed their way into his residence, making off with cash, jewelry, and car keys. Adding insult to injury, they then used Isak’s own Audi RS6 as a battering ram to force open the gates of his property.

The “attack” on his home left him with a “sense of unease.” None of the goods taken from his home were recovered, except for the damaged safe. “Mr. Isak said the ‘attack’ on his home had left him with a ‘sense of unease’ every time he left and returned to the house,” highlighting the deep emotional impact of the crime.

The Burglar Family: A Professional Touring Gang

The family involved in the Isak home raid operated as a professional gang. The family consisted of brothers Valentino and Giacomo Nikolov, their sister Jela Jovanoic, and her son Charlie Jovanovic. They arrived in the UK from Calais in a black Citroen C3 and a Ford campervan, using the latter as a “base of operations” at service stations. To further evade detection, the family switched off their phones and used stolen license plates.

The Nikolov family’s criminal history extended beyond UK borders. Two of the members had been banned from Switzerland for thieving, while Jela Jovanoic had previous convictions for fraud and theft in Belgium, and Giacomo had convictions for theft in Italy.

Their modus operandi was consistent across all burglaries. They wore gloves and masks to avoid leaving forensic evidence, used stolen license plates to disguise their vehicles, and switched off their phones when near their target locations.

The Other Victims: Impact Beyond the Isak Home Raid

The gang first targeted a home in Jesmond, stealing a safe, watches, clothing, handbags, a CBE medal, and gold coins, with the total value exceeding £1 million. “The victim of the Jesmond burglary said, ‘The thieves have not only stolen our belongings but, just as importantly, they have stolen our privacy and security,'” highlighting the devastating impact of the crime beyond the financial losses.

In another incident, the gang broke into a home in Whitburn and stole designer handbags, jewelry, and shoes valued at over £100,000. “The woman whose Whitburn home was targeted said she and her young children had lived in fear ever since,” demonstrating the lasting emotional scars left by the burglaries.

Justice Served: The Sentencing and Aftermath

Valentino was jailed for 10 years, while the others received sentences between six and eight years. Judge Robert Spragg described it as a sophisticated and planned “family affair.” As foreign nationals jailed for more than a year, deportation is automatic for them.

Following the Isak home raid and other incidents, Newcastle United invested heavily in security systems and patrols. Players were also instructed to “moderate” their social media activity to avoid inadvertently revealing information that could be used by criminals.

Glenn Patterson said, “These crimes have had an impact on the club which cannot be overstated.”

The Isak home raid and the subsequent arrest and sentencing of the Italian burglar family bring a sense of closure to a series of distressing events. The case highlights the sophistication of modern burglary gangs and the lasting impact on victims. The affected Newcastle players and club now must focus on continuing to reinforce security measures and rebuild player confidence.