Youths Disappointed After New Break-in at Hooglede Youth Center: 'We Fear for the Future'

Young people in Hooglede are expressing deep disappointment and concern following a recent break-in at their youth center, JOC De Prik. This marks the third incident in just three years, leaving the community disheartened. The latest incident saw six windows smashed and the electric garage door forced open, although no items were taken.

"We are enormously shocked and deeply disappointed," the youth center stated on social media. "This is now the third time in three years that our youth center has been the victim of a break-in." The center had previously invested in surveillance cameras, but these proved insufficient to deter the vandals.

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We are enormously shocked and deeply disappointed. This is now the third time in three years that our youth center has been the victim of a break-in.

Thomas Cuvelier, the chairman of the youth center, highlighted the significant damage to the building, noting that the forced entry required considerable effort. "Six panes of glass were broken, and the garage door was forced. It has been electric for two years, following previous break-in attempts," he explained. "The perpetrator got inside but took nothing."

Cuvelier emphasized that JOC De Prik operates entirely on volunteer efforts, with young people dedicating time and energy to create a welcoming and safe space for their peers. The targeting of such a place for vandalism and burglary is difficult to comprehend. Despite the setbacks and fears for the future, including concerns about deterring visitors, the core team remains hopeful and is working with the municipality to enhance security.

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The perpetrator got inside but took nothing.