Frederic still can’t believe his eyes. This Arlon bicycle seller was amazed to discover that thieves had broken into his store overnight from Saturday to Sunday to seize 16 bicycles. Already worried regarding these possible burglaries, he had nevertheless installed pilasters in front of the building.
But it was not enough. “We hoped that the burglars might not enter the facade with a vehicle, but they used a beam as an extension to force the door”, explains Frédéric Vancrayenest. This beam, left in place, made it possible to avoid the pilasters and to create sufficient space to sneak into the business. In total, the damage is estimated at 70,000 euros.
“They chose high-end electric mountain bikes. They really took what was most valuable. They were worth, here, between 4 and 10,000 euros”he tells us, visibly moved. “These are bikes that are in short supply at the moment. There is a demand”he then regrets, fearing that it is actually a well-organized group.
Other thefts of the same kind have also been observed near Arlon, but also in Eupen and Beauraing, with the same method used last week.