A 42-year-old man from Liège has been placed under arrest by an examining magistrate in Leuven on suspicion of committing a series of burglaries in shops located in Leuven, Boutersem, in Flemish Brabant, and Theux, in Liège province.
The man is believed to be responsible for 36 burglaries and attempted burglaries, according to prosecutors.
On 2 April, the suspect allegedly broke into 21 businesses in Leuven, beginning in the city centre and specifically targeting cash registers. In one instance, he managed to steal a car key, then used the vehicle to travel to Tiensesteenweg, where he committed further offences. Five of the 21 businesses were successfully burgled.
Using the stolen car, the suspect then travelled to Boutersem, where he carried out one successful burglary and attempted another.
The stolen vehicle was found less than a week later in Theux, where 13 burglaries and attempted burglaries occurred at local businesses. Cash, cigarettes, and scratch cards were reportedly stolen.
Authorities recovered the car on 14 April, and it was returned to its owner.
The investigation led Leuven police to the 42-year-old from Liège. On 14 May, investigators from Leuven and Liège conducted two searches in the latter city. The suspect was apprehended, and investigators found several pieces of evidence which, the prosecutors believe, confirm his involvement in the burglaries.
“The individual was arrested for burglary, using false keys, and attempted burglary. He has been remanded in custody,” the Leuven prosecutor’s office stated.
