WILLEMSTAD - “Recently there has been another increase in the number of violent burglaries,” said police spokesman Imro Zwerver. According to him, the thieves mainly target business owners who have large sums of money at home.
171 burglaries have been committed since the beginning of the year. The robberies mainly took place at the beginning of the year and in June and July, after the lifting of the lockdown.
“The police can handle the increase, but it is not just something for the police to solve. Citizens must also help.” According to Zwerver, the thieves often know where the business owners live. "If you have large amounts at home, then you are asking for trouble."
Natasja Gibbs has her own taxi company on the island. “As a taxi driver you often work with cash. That increases the risk of being robbed. I certainly keep in mind that I could be a target. I do not keep cash in the house. I immediately deposit my money at the ATM. In addition, many colleagues have a pin machine on the bus.”
Maria Mensing of Mensing's Caminada bookshop also says she does not keep large amounts at home. “I am really shocked by this development. I wasn't really worried about this at all, but I am now.” Mensing cannot imagine that the thieves would know whether they are keeping money at home. But as a precaution she does not do this.
Thefts using violence did not increase
According to Public Prosecutor Clarelli Hato-Willems, the total number of thefts with violence (including robberies outside homes) has not increased so far compared to last year. “There is now a decrease compared to last year. It's below what the normal average is.” According to her, the corona measures have helped. But the Public Prosecution Service also sees a shift to home robberies.
“Of the 11 thefts using violence in August, 10 thefts took place in a home,” said the officer.
The police are committed to more visibility in the residential areas. “We analyze when most robberies take place. During that time, we provide more visibility in residential areas,” explains Zwerver. The police are also working on more prevention. The government has also started an information campaign for citizens about what they can do themselves to prevent robberies.