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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Crime & Justice

Jewelry Store Owner Injured in Violent Robbery in Menen; Getaway Car Found Burned

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Masked robbers violently robbed a jewelry store in Menen, Belgium, injuring the owner.
  • The perpetrators escaped with jewelry and watches.
  • A burnt-out getaway car, believed to be used in the robbery, was found nearby.

A violent robbery occurred Tuesday evening at a jewelry store in Menen, Belgium, leaving the owner injured and the perpetrators with stolen goods. Several masked individuals stormed the establishment, making off with valuable jewelry and watches.

The incident unfolded around 6:15 PM when police received a report of the robbery on Oude Aalbeekstraat. Simultaneously, the fire department responded to a call about a burning vehicle in Lauwe, a short distance away. Investigators believe the torched car was the getaway vehicle used by the robbers.

During the robbery, a physical altercation ensued between the suspects and the store owner, who sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that at least four robbers were involved. The burnt-out vehicle was discovered on a plot of land on Oude Aalbeekstraat in Lauwe.

Authorities are actively investigating the incident. Police chief Didier Vandecasteele stated that while the investigation is ongoing, he could not provide further details regarding the number of suspects apprehended or the total value of the stolen items. It remains unclear if a manhunt is currently underway.

The investigation is fully underway, so for now I cannot say much more.

โ€” Didier VandecasteeleThe police chief commenting on the ongoing investigation into the jewelry store robbery.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.