Hoogstraten (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 27-year-old inmate escaped from Hoogstraten prison on Tuesday evening, triggering a police search and raising serious questions about prison security.
Het Laatste Nieuws reported this, and the Prison Service verified the information. After a stroll in the evening, the man leaped over the gate and managed to flee in a getaway vehicle.
He was incarcerated for fewer than three years for narcotics offenses.
Around 9 p.m. yesterday, the escape took place. The man, who was Belgian by nationality, was traveling with many other prisoners to a pavilion at that time during an evening stroll.
The 27-year-old abruptly leaped over a gate and entered a waiting getaway vehicle.
The man was incarcerated for less than three years for narcotics offenses. Only a few weeks ago, he was moved to Hoogstraten prison, Belgium.
Unlike traditional jails in our nation, the Hoogstraten prison is an open facility with various safety regulations. The goal of placing non-threatening inmates there is to prepare them for reintegration into society.
During the escape, no one was threatened or hurt. They are currently looking for the man. He is being sought for, but the search has yielded no results thus far.
What security changes are being considered after the Hoogstraten escape?
Enhancing perimeter security by strengthening walls, fences, and gates to stop inmates from scaling or breaking through barriers. This can entail putting up more barriers, anti-climb devices, or improved security cameras around weak spots like exercise yards and gates.
In order to decrease escape opportunities, procedures for prisoner monitoring during walks or outdoor time should be reviewed. Staff presence may be increased, or more controlled conditions may be introduced.
Tightening security measures around prison entrances and exits, such as improved surveillance of the jail’s surrounding parking lots and roads, to stop escape cars from waiting nearby undetected.
Utilizing cutting-edge monitoring tools, like motion sensors, night vision cameras, and alarm systems, to identify any unwanted activity or security breach attempts.
Providing prison officials with refresher training on response procedures and escape prevention.
