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Number of home-jackings on the rise in Belgium

11:09 14/11/2014

In the first six months of 2014 there were 226 home-jackings in Belgium, double the amount reported in the same period four years ago. Notably, 60% of the home-jackings were committed in Wallonia, reports La Dernière Heure.

“Homejackings are systematically prepared in advance,” explains Eddy De Raedt of the federal police. “A home-jacking differs from a burglary in that the victim is still at home when the crime occurs, often leading to a confrontation between perpetrator and victim. Therefore a home-jacking can sometimes end in violence.”

In 40% of the cases, the victims were older than 60, and 20% of the time the victims were small business owners who keep large sums of money at home.

Written by Robyn Boyle

Comments

Mikek1300gt

Perhaps if small businesses were not awash with black cash.....

Nov 15, 2014 08:20
Anonymous

I understand that it is a criminal offence to defend oneself in this country, so shouldn't the police be catching and arresting these criminals instead of stopping cars from going over the speed limit by 5 kms?

There is never a police officer available when you need one and they come to the crime scene far too late.

Nov 19, 2014 22:16
acsonline

@Mikek1 & Anonymous : No, It isn't a criminal offence to defend yourself in this country; though (if you shoot someone in the process ...) you may be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
As to "small companies being awash with black money" : what do you know about companies, big or small, in the first place?...

Dec 4, 2014 15:48