Gangs suspected of stealing fire station equipment for ram-raids

Over the past year, more than 60 Dutch fire stations have fallen victim to criminal gangs who pilfer hydraulic equipment in order to carry out ram-raids. In a recent three-night stretch, one fire station in Sassenheim, close to Leiden in Zuid-Holland, was struck three times. Furthermore, 10 sites across the nation were broken into during the past fortnight, according to police.

Authorities revealed to NRC that the perpetrators are after machinery such as cutting tools and hydraulic jacks, which can be utilized to liberate individuals trapped beneath debris. These machines can also be repurposed to breach the heavily fortified windows found in establishments like jewelry stores and electrical retailers.

Last week, thieves abandoned a hydraulic spreader after attempting to shatter the window of a jewelry store in Den Bosch. Police have noted a significant surge in break-ins over the past year, with only 18 such incidents recorded in 2023 and 17 the previous year. Police spokesperson Dick Goijert has emphasized the need to bolster response teams and make combating these crimes a national priority.

Detectives are withholding specifics on the items stolen during the most recent raids due to the ongoing investigation and to prevent providing "harmful information to individuals with malicious intentions."

Fire station managers have attempted to bolster security, but the removal of life-saving equipment for storage purposes has slowed down emergency responses, as even a few seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Evert Jansen, a former burglar turned police advisor, suspects organized criminals are behind the thefts.

Jansen commented to NRC that it is challenging for the criminals to utilize the equipment without a comprehensive understanding of its functions. He suggested that the burglars may be acting on instructions from experienced criminals.