Syrian family's car set on fire; Fourth time vandals have targeted family

The car of a Syrian refugee family went up in flames in Geesteren on Sunday evening. The police suspect arson, RTV Oost reported. This is the fourth time vandals have targeted this family. The home they live in had already been vandalized three times before their arrival.

Mayor Anko Postma of Tubbergen, the municipality that covers Geesteren, called it “terrible that the family is once again affected by a drastic incident.” The municipality is giving the family extra support, he told the broadcaster.

“This must have a profound impact on a family that is trying to build a new life here. We are in contact with them and are assessing what support they need,” the mayor said.

The family has young children. They were scheduled to move into their home in Geesteren this spring, but their move was postponed several times due to vandalism, NOS reported.

In March, someone threw a stone with an angry letter through the window. Vandals struck twice more, breaking windows later in March and in April, despite the municipality installing security cameras around the property.

In May, the police put up flyers in the village in the hope of tracking down the perpetrators. “Who is sowing fear and unrest in Geesteren?” the flyers read.

As far as is known, no arrests have been made. The police are now also investigating the car fire.