Circus robbed during performance, robbers throw clothes on sleeping baby during break-in

The National Circus Barani was robbed of all its money in Meerssen, Limburg, during a performance on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, the circus's pony Wodka also suddenly disappeared because, according to the 30-year-old owner Johann Zinnecker (30), someone had opened the gate of the horse trailer, allowing the animal to escape. Later, Wodka was found nearby, and the animal was returned to the circus.

The burglars had broken into the trailer on Saturday during the afternoon performance, in which a seven-month-old baby was sleeping at the time. "They turned everything upside down, rummaged through the cupboards, and took everything, throwing clothes and other items at the baby," said Zinnecker. "When we discovered the break-in, the baby was our biggest concern, but luckily, the little boy was still asleep and unharmed. But all our money is gone. All our savings and the money from the ticket sales."

The robbery forced the circus to cancel the evening performance. However, the performance on Sunday afternoon went ahead.

"We even ran out of money to buy diesel to drive to our next venue, Reuver, where we will be performing on Wednesday. The burglars not only stole the money, but also our gold chains and my great-grandfather's heirlooms. We have nothing left."

According to Zinnecker, the burglary could have been committed by three or four men who had driven onto the site shortly beforehand in a gray car with Polish license plates. The circus has reported them to the police. However, a police spokeswoman could not say anything about the incident on Sunday.

In the meantime, a fundraising campaign for Circus Barani has been launched on the Internet. Around 2,200 euros have since been donated.