Four individuals have been arrested under an investigation conducted by Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutors into a spate of burglaries in the last four months.
The suspects are allegedly responsible for at least 39 burglaries in homes located mainly in Flemish Brabant. Three remain in custody, while the fourth has been conditionally released, the Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor's office reported on Monday.
The investigation was initiated following an attempted burglary at a Zemst residence on 9 February. CCTV footage led authorities to the registration number utilised by the suspects. The vehicle was then found, and Mechelen police apprehended three of the men on 17 February.
“They appeared before the examining magistrate who placed them under arrest warrants,” said prosecution spokesperson Sabine Lievens. “Investigations revealed that the trio could be involved in many other burglaries" in the province, she disclosed, adding that "at least 39 offences have been committed.”
The investigation unearthed a fourth suspect, who was extradited to Belgium on 18 April and placed under arrest.
“One of the three individuals arrested on 17 February has already been released,” the prosecution stated. “Last Thursday, 30 May, the council chamber extended the detention of the other three suspects by a further two months.”
