Lebbeke (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Lebbeke faced 8 complete robberies of vans throughout a seven-day period. Law enforcement officials blamed the crimes on a group of stealing professionals who attacked high-end industrial equipment.
Law enforcement in Lebbeke issued an alert because thieves stole at least eight vans in one week. Stealing work equipment valued at high prices remains the primary objective of these thieves. Commissioner Tony Saerens stated,
“There will be more surveillance at places where vans are parked, but there are also measures that van owners can take themselves.”
Local authorities have increased their investigation into the suspects while asking citizens to alert law enforcement about possible suspicious conduct.
“We are intensively searching for the suspected gang of thieves,”
It sounds.
“We already have some clues about who it could be, but that needs to be investigated further. We have instructed our patrols to be extra alert for suspicious persons near vans. We also ask residents to report anything suspicious.”
Van owners are advised to first check whether they can or are allowed to park on private property.
“That certainly does not work for all vans, so we of course understand that owners often park their vehicle on public property,”
Explains Commissioner Tony Saerens.
But there are other preventive measures you can take, Saerens continues.
“It is of course important that your vehicle is always locked, but you can also make sure that you leave as little material as possible, especially expensive items and machines, in your vehicle. Although we also understand that owners have to drive their van every day and do not always load and unload everything.”
What is the history of van thefts in Lebbeke and surrounding areas?
Work equipment thefts of expensive vans are rapidly increasing in both Lebbeke and the surrounding areas. Theft incidents specific to car tools and machinery have surged in intensity throughout the last twelve months. Thieves now specifically target high-value business equipment that remains inside vehicles.
Police reports from nearby towns show identical theft cases, pointing to possible operations among criminal groups. Vehicle-related thefts across the country rose by 15% during the last two years after work vans became primary targets because they contain valuable equipment inside.
Theft incidents mostly occur during nighttime and early morning because criminals exploit dimly lit and unguarded parking spaces. At least eight vans have been stolen in Lebbeke during a single week, emphasising the need for immediate action because of this rising trend. The police recommend that vehicle owners take security precautions by both installing protective systems and preventing the storage of equipment inside their vans overnight.
