Five police weapons stolen in break-ins at Braives and Anthisnes police stations
Five pistols, bulletproof vests and police uniforms were stolen during two break-ins at police stations in the Hesbaye-Ouest zone. The federal police and prosecutor's office have taken over the investigation.
Five police weapons stolen in break-ins at Braives and Anthisnes police stations
Two break-ins at police stations in Liège province have caused considerable alarm. A total of five firearms, bulletproof vests and police uniforms were stolen. DHnet reported on this.
During the night from Friday to Saturday, unknown persons broke into the police station in Braives, a sub-municipality of Huy-Waremme. The door was forced open. Notably, the alarm system was not operational. The thieves stole police uniforms, bulletproof vests, equipment belts with expandable batons. A safe containing a firearm was also ripped out.
In Anthisnes, where three officers are normally stationed, a similar incident occurred. The main entrance on the side of the building was forced open. The break-in was discovered on Sunday morning. This station had neither camera surveillance nor an alarm system.
The haul in Anthisnes was considerable: four Glock pistols, multiple magazines, handcuffs, a baton, pepper spray and various belts disappeared. "Apparently the perpetrators knew exactly what they were looking for. The police services are on high alert," said a source close to the case.
The circumstances make the matter particularly concerning. The thieves now have clothing and equipment that would allow them to pose as police officers.
Investigators must determine whether the two incidents are related to each other. That suspicion appears to be the most obvious at this moment. The investigation has since been escalated to a higher level. "The federal police and the prosecutor's office have taken over the case," confirmed Manu Douette, chairman of the Hesbaye-Ouest police zone.
In response to the break-ins, the police zone has decided to tighten security at its buildings. "The premises are being secured and the zone is checking all of its other locations," Douette concluded.
Source: DHnet