Man arrested in Enschede linked to dozens of car break-ins across Netherlands
Police reported that they arrested a 35-year-old man early Friday in Enschede in connection with at least dozens of car break-ins spanning several regions, including Zwolle and Enschede, following months of similar incidents across the country.
The suspect, who has no fixed address, was taken into custody shortly after 3 a.m. on Stadsgravenstraat, according to police. He remains in custody as investigators work to determine his exact involvement and the total number of cases.
Police said the investigation began in October in the Arnhem region after a surge in car break-ins. Similar spikes were later identified in Nijmegen, Den Bosch, Zwolle, and most recently Enschede, with a concentration of incidents in Overijssel in recent weeks.
Authorities said the break-ins followed a consistent pattern. In most cases, a vehicle window was forced, after which electronic multimedia and vehicle systems—including navigation units and central displays—were stolen. The crimes primarily targeted BMW vehicles and, in some instances, MINI models. Damage per incident in some cases exceeded tens of thousands of euros. During the arrest, officers recovered stolen goods and burglary tools.
Police emphasized that while such break-ins cannot be entirely prevented, measures to reduce risk are available through the Centrum voor Criminaliteitspreventie en Veiligheid. Authorities urged the public to call 112 immediately if they witness a break-in in progress, noting that reporting a crime in the act increases the likelihood of an arrest.
