The Public Prosecutor's Office has requested stiff penalties for two Serbian women on trial in Antwerp for a series of burglaries involving mainly jewelry and cash.
The prosecution is demanding 40 months in prison for Violeta R. (33) while Nena S. (40), who is being charged with fewer offenses, faces 37 months in jail.
On February 4, police stopped a Ford C-Max containing Violeta R. and Nena S after the car was reported following a theft from an apartment in Schilde on 26 February.
Surveillance cameras had filmed the two women stealing jewelry and handbags with a total value of €70,000. Violeta R. was recognized in the images as one of the thieves. Police found screwdrivers in the car. Nena S. was wearing a pair of stolen earrings at the time of her arrest.
Both women initially denied the theft, but eventually admitted it. However, they denied taking €70,000 worth of stuff. The defendants, who operated from Liège, have various aliases and are also known in Germany for theft.
According to the prosecutor, the women committed seven other domestic burglaries – alone or together – in Bonheiden, Grobbendonk, Herenthout, Leopoldsburg, Lier, Turnhout and Olen, between 12 and 27 January. The break-ins always occurred during the day, and their loot consisted of money, jewelry and a Ford C-Max caught on by ANPR cameras nearby. Violeta R.’s mobile phone was also recorded by a cell tower in the area during several burglaries.
