Burglaries Plague Sint-Eloois-Winkel Businesses; Moped Ramming Tactics Used

Hospitality businesses in Sint-Eloois-Winkel, near Ledegem, Belgium, have been targeted in a recent wave of brazen burglaries. The perpetrators are employing increasingly aggressive methods, causing damage and distress to local business owners.

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We ask the residents to be extra vigilant.

One notable incident involved an attempted break-in at brasserie De Velodroom, where thieves tried to force the door by ramming it with a moped. Although they did not gain entry, the damage to the door and lock required repairs. This followed a previous burglary at Frituur Bas and another attempted break-in at the same establishment. The owners of De Velodroom are implementing additional security measures, including the potential installation of cameras, on the advice of the police.

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Our parents are currently still on vacation. My brother and I take turns checking in. On Wednesday afternoon, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I found that the lock had been forced.

Another establishment, Dagschotelkot, also faced a forceful attempt at entry. Security footage captured a young man repeatedly attempting to ram the front door with a moped during the night. While unsuccessful in breaching the premises, the door sustained significant damage. In a separate incident, Café Den Engel was successfully burgled, with thieves making off with items including car keys.

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In both cases, no one got inside, but this is just not pleasant.

Burgomaster Bart Dochy has responded to the crime spree by coordinating with the police to increase patrols in the area. He is also appealing to residents for heightened vigilance, asking them to report any suspicious vehicles or activities immediately to the police. The incidents have created a sense of unease among local business owners and residents.

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In images, you can see how a young man tried to ram the front door of my business with his moped during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. Up to 10 to 12 times. Fortunately, he didn't get in, but there is of course a lot of damage to the door.