The upscale villa belonging to the football striker Alexander Isak (Newcastle) was burglarized, and various valuable items were stolen. Fortunately, the player managed to recover his stolen car.
According to authorities, a group of burglars unlawfully entered Isak’s four-bedroom residence through the rear entrance during the evening, just 48 hours before the Swedish player’s match for Newcastle against Fulham in the 32nd round of the Premier League, which ended in a 1-0 victory. It remains unclear the extent of Isak’s losses and whether his family suffered any harm.
However, Isak has successfully located the stolen car, which was inexplicably abandoned by the thieves approximately 3 miles from his residence. Northumbria police stated, “Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.”
A mile away, the residence of Isak’s teammate, Joelinton, had also been subjected to a prior burglary three months ago. Police are currently investigating the incident, though few leads have emerged. It was reported that three burglars scaled the fence outside the Brazilian star’s home, subsequently breaking in and stealing designer handbags belonging to Joelinton’s fiancée, along with valuable watches and jewelry. Despite prompt police response, the burglars managed to escape swiftly during the night.
Football stars competing in the Premier League have long endured troubles with burglaries. Not only foreign players, but English stars like Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have faced similar issues. In December 2023, Grealish’s £5.6 million mansion was burgled while he was playing for Manchester City, resulting in estimated damages of around £1 million, alongside other valuable gems.
A source revealed, “Police have conducted numerous local investigations, but the lack of tangible leads suggests that this burglary may be linked to an international criminal gang, making apprehension increasingly challenging, especially if they’ve fled the country.”
“Interactions between victims and investigative teams suggest potential ties to a South American gang known for targeting affluent homes in the area. This complicates the handling of the case further. Jack could be the latest victim in a long list of footballers whose properties have been burglarized without the culprits being caught.”
Raheem Sterling of Chelsea fell victim to a burglary in his Surrey home, where high-end watches worth £300,000 were stolen. Victor Lindelof’s (Manchester United) wife and two children were left in distress after burglars ransacked their home in February 2022. Similarly, in the same year, former Liverpool and Arsenal player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, along with his fiancée, the singer Perrie Edwards, were robbed in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
According to police assessments, burglary gangs often study the schedules of players’ matches or the absence of their families before planning their operations. This persistent issue poses a significant concern for football stars, who, due to their high incomes, become potential targets for burglaries at unpredictable times. Their recourse often involves investing in advanced security measures to effectively deter such incidents.