Delhaize in Linkebeek robbed twice in four days, suspect released due to lack of space
A Delhaize in Linkebeek was robbed twice in four days in mid-May. A detained 16-year-old was allowed to go home because there was no space in a closed facility.
Delhaize in Linkebeek robbed twice in less than a week
A Delhaize branch in Linkebeek was robbed twice in mid-May within a span of just four days, according to VRT NWS. The incidents have caused unrest among shop workers and local residents.
Commissioner Ken De Decker outlines the chronology. "The first incident took place on Saturday 16 May. Two individuals burst into the shop and threatened staff with a knife to get money from the till." A few days later, on Wednesday evening around the same time, a second robbery followed. "This time by one person who was also armed with a knife and took the money," according to De Decker.
Following the first robbery, police arrested a 16-year-old boy from Ukkel. "During a search at his home we found the young man and took him to the station," says De Decker. The following day he was brought before the youth judge.
The youth judge decided to place the minor in a closed facility, but the measure could not be carried out. "Due to lack of space that was not possible," De Decker clarifies. "As a result, he was able to go home again."
Whether the young man was also involved in the second robbery is still being investigated. Police are not ruling out any leads.
The successive robberies have meanwhile led to heightened vigilance in the area. In addition, consideration is being given to whether additional measures are needed to strengthen safety around the shop premises.
Source: VRT NWS