A man broke into several homes in Westhoeck, near the French border, including the farm of the Dequidt family where only 14-year-old Laurien was present. Hearing the dogs bark, she went downstairs and encountered the intruder dressed in a motorcycle suit, jacket and helmet with an open visor. She chased him out and informed both her family and the police, who launched a search warrant. The suspect was seen in a neighbor’s house and fled on a gray scooter registered in France towards French territory where he managed to escape even following a police pursuit.
Yesterday, a man broke into several homes located in Westhoeck, near the French border. He also enters the farm of the Dequidt family where there is only Laurien, 14 years old.
“I had just taken my shower upstairs when the dogs started barking outside and I heard the back door open,” she told our colleagues from the Nieuwsblad.
Laurien then thinks that her father has come home following taking care of the animals but very she does not recognize her father’s footsteps and comes face to face with a man dressed in a motorcycle suit, a jacket and a helmet with open visor.
“His look showed that he was surprised. The man immediately turned around and almost fell down the stairs. I chased him and yelled at him to leave, ”explains the young girl who burst into tears right following.
Laurien then called his father, his sister and the police, who immediately went in search of the suspect and launched a search warrant, stating that he was traveling with a gray scooter registered in France.
The man who was also seen in a neighbor’s house then fled to France by taking the highway in the opposite direction.
The police area of Arro Ypres confirmed that there had been a pursuit to French territory but the suspect was able to escape. “As part of the cooperation agreement with our French colleagues, we were not allowed to intercept it,” explains Glenn Verdru, communication consultant for the Arro Ypres police area.
The terrifying break-in incident in Westhoeck serves as a reminder to always be vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure our safety and security. Despite the traumatic experience, Laurien’s quick thinking and bravery helped prevent further harm from being inflicted. We hope that the authorities will be able to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice. Let us all remain vigilant and look out for one another in our communities.
