Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Top stories
  • Health
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Weird
  • 1-1-2
Image
Dutch police crime scene tape
Stock image of Dutch police crime scene tape - Credit: twixx / DepositPhotos - License: DepositPhotos
Crime
explosive attack
jeweler
jewelry store robbery
politie
Utrecht
choorstraat
Friday, 5 March 2021 - 18:50
Share this:
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
  • reddit

Heavy explosives used to break in to jeweler; two arrests made

An explosion at the Punte jewelry store at around 4 a.m. on Friday caused massive damage to the store itself, and the surrounding buildings on the Choorstraat in the center of Utrecht.

The three suspects reportedly fled on a scooter. Two of them, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old from Utrecht, have since been arrested, the police report. Their accomplice was still on the run Friday afternoon.

At least four stores were badly damaged in the event. The steel shutter of the jewelry store flew through the window and shattered glass covered the pavement in front.

"Broken windows usually mean a lot of damage to jewelry and watches. I think the damage will be immense. This is a considerable loss, especially in this day and age", owner of the store, Ruud Reijers, says to RTV Utrecht.

It was not immediately clear if the thieves were able to get away with any valuables, although Reijers says it is likely. Four times in the past one and a half year Reijers claims robbers have tried to break in to his shop, twice successfully.

“This is so bitter”, Reijers says to the AD. “We had just opened. Sometimes your courage just evaporates. I am angry and sad.”

Many owners of other stores in the street came to show their support. Bridal store owner, Alexandra Covers, is outraged about the crime. “How dare they”, she says, “These teenage boys.”

Stores in the shopping street will stay closed until police have gathered more evidence and secured the area. The Choorstraat has been largely blocked until further notice. The residents of the neighboring houses have to leave their homes temporarily until experts can determine if any explosives remain.

The burglary suspects reportedly wore black clothing at the time of the crime and fled on a black and grey scooter.

Follow us:

Latest stories

  • Regional CDA members criticize Cabinet's nitrogen policy
  • Asylum seekers have to sleep on chairs in Ter Apel application center
  • F1: Max Verstappen finishes a disappointing 7th place in the British Grand Prix
  • Pure Goat Company issues recall over possible plastic in baby formula powder
  • FC Barcelona wants to do everything possible to keep Frenkie de Jong
  • Explosive planted at home in Tienhoven, police investigate connection to earlier explosion

Top stories

  • House fire in Waalwijk apartment sends 3 to hospital
  • NS presents new, fast intercity train
  • Logistics companies warn of delay due to farmers protest
  • Dutch Central Bank and province of Noord-Holland apologize for historic roles in slavery
  • Schiphol and Eindhoven Airport prepare for farmer protests, traffic blockades
  • Fmr. Dutch national football coach accuses colleagues of rape

© 2012-2022, NL Times, All rights reserved.

Footer menu

  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Partner content