midnight intrusion

Two masked burglars broke into the Sremska Kamenica home of the late Siniša Mihajlović during the early hours of Tuesday, allegedly sedating his mother, Viktorija, to facilitate the theft. The thieves made off with cash and priceless career memorabilia, including trophies and jerseys, leaving the family in a state of profound distress.

Midnight Intrusion in Sremska Kamenica

The entire incident was captured by security cameras, providing a digital trail for investigators. Police in Novi Sad, specifically those operating within the Petrovaradin jurisdiction, have launched an intensive investigation to identify the culprits.

The Second Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad is currently overseeing the legal proceedings, working in coordination with the Petrovaradin police station. Forensic experts are analyzing the high-definition digital evidence from the home’s security system to determine the exact point of entry and the sequence of movements made by the intruders. Investigators are also cross-referencing the security footage with regional surveillance cameras to identify any vehicles that may have been idling near the residence during the 2:00 to 3:00 AM window.

The Theft of a Footballing Legacy

While cash was taken, the true loss lies in the items that defined one of the most storied careers in European football. For years, Siniša’s brother, Dražen Mihajlović, had acted as a curator, transforming a portion of the home into a private museum of footballing history.

The stolen items represent the milestones of a man who rose from Borovo to the heights of Italian football. The list of missing memorabilia includes:

• Trophies and awards from major European competitions
• Official match jerseys from various clubs and the national team
• Professional football boots used in iconic matches
• A collection of historical photographs

Among the lost items is a particularly poignant piece of history: a photograph from Borovo taken during the war in the former Yugoslavia, capturing a moment involving Siniša’s close friend. As Sportissimo Republika noted, the emotional weight of these objects far outweighs any market value, as they are the last tangible connections to a man who became a global sporting icon.

The loss of these specific items impacts the historical record of Serbian football. The jerseys and trophies from his tenures at Inter, Roma, and Lazio represent a decade of elite-level competition during one of the most competitive eras of Italy’s Serie A. The stolen professional football boots are considered part of a collection that tracks his physical evolution as an athlete, while the historical photograph from Borovo is a rare artifact of the wartime period in the former Yugoslavia, making it an irreplaceable item for historians of the region. Law enforcement agencies have alerted specialized dealers and international auction houses to monitor for any sudden appearances of Mihajlović’s personal gear, as the thieves are believed to be seeking the rapid liquidation of the stolen goods.

A Family Left in Shock

The Mihajlović family is reeling from the violation of their privacy and the loss of their most cherished memories. Dražen Mihajlović confirmed the robbery but declined to provide specific details to protect the integrity of the ongoing police investigation. He expressed a desperate hope that the authorities would quickly recover the items, emphasizing their immeasurable sentimental value to the family.

The audacity of the crime has sparked outrage across Serbia. Many view the attack as a profound disrespect to a man who dedicated his life to the sport and his country, particularly given his status as a national hero.

The police have officially classified the incident as an aggravated burglary, citing the reported sedation of Viktorija Mihajlović as a primary factor in the severity of the charges. Investigators are currently looking into whether the intruders had prior knowledge of the home’s layout or the specific location of the memorabilia. The psychological impact on Viktorija Mihajlović remains a primary concern for local authorities following the reported violation of her safety.

Honoring a Humanitarian and Sporting Icon

This violation comes as the family continues to navigate life after the loss of Siniša, who passed away on December 16, 2022, following a courageous battle with leukemia. His life was defined by more than just his success on the pitch for clubs such as Inter, Roma, and Lazio.

Beyond the stadium, Mihajlović was a significant figure in philanthropy. He was a major benefactor in Sremska Kamenica, providing critical support to the local hospital and the “Dr. Milorad Pavlović” children’s village. The theft of his life’s work is a blow to a legacy built on both athletic excellence and deep humanitarian commitment.

The theft also affects the local community where Mihajlović’s philanthropic ties were most active. His support for the “Dr. Milorad Pavlović” children’s village and the Sremska Kamenica hospital established a legacy of local investment that residents feel has been personally violated. His status as a former national team captain and a prominent figure in Serbian football has ensured that the investigation is being closely monitored by sports officials and fans nationwide.

Authorities have advised the public to monitor online resale platforms, as the stolen memorabilia may surface there. For those with information, reporting to the Novi Sad police remains the primary path toward justice.