Vehicle break-ins are on the rise in city centre parking garages, with more than 400 incidents in the first half of 2019.
A total of 233 break-ins occurred in the Witte Dame, Admirant, and Stadhuisplein garages in the first half of 2019, compared to 101 during the same period in 2018. In contrast, very few vehicles were broken into at the Heuvelgallerie parking garage in the first few months of 2018 and 2019.
A total of 380 incidents occurred across all garages in the city centre during the first half of this year, while last year that number was just 230. Police officer Dion Luijten said criminals were becoming more sophisticated, using bluetooth scanners to locate electronic items.
The CDA warned that the figures could negatively impact the safety of residents and visitors, as well as tarnishing the city’s image. The party also called on garage owners to improve security in their parking structures.
Police advised motorists to avoid leaving valuable items inside their vehicles. “Paid parking is not the same as monitored parking”, said agent Luijten.
Source: Studio040
Translation: Nicola W
