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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Conflict & Security

Vandals attack vacant kindergarten in Geetbets, leaving axe behind

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Vandals have repeatedly targeted an old, vacant kindergarten in Geetbets, Belgium.
  • The latest incident involved a suspected axe damaging a window, with perpetrators entering the building.
  • Police are investigating, and locals are frustrated, calling for the building to be repurposed.

An old kindergarten in Hogen, Geetbets, has become the target of repeated vandalism in recent days. The most recent incident saw vandals destroy a window, likely with an axe, before entering the building and causing further damage.

The problems began over the weekend when the door was smashed. A window was subsequently damaged, and in the latest incident, the perpetrators left their axe behind. Police have visited the scene to assess the damage, and each new incident is being monitored.

The building, which has been empty and is currently for sale, previously housed materials for the parish hall and served other functions, including dog training and accommodation for seasonal fruit pickers. The recent acts of vandalism have caused frustration among those who previously used the building or stored items there.

Local residents are suggesting that the vacant property could be put to better use, with some mentioning the possibility of it serving the local Chiro youth group. Those involved are appealing to the perpetrators to respect the building, its surroundings, and the property within. Information about the break-ins and vandalism is being requested by the police.

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.