In the night from Sunday to Monday, the fireworks store at the GroenRijk garden center in Veldhoven became the target of a major theft. Unknown people managed to steal an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 euros worth of fireworks. Despite the major blow, owner Bart Kuijpers still managed to get the store fully stocked on time. “But this is damage that we will no longer recoup.”
The theft took place late at night. “Two fences were broken open. They forced open the shed, probably cut it open, and then went inside,” says Kuijpers. The perpetrators then focused on the fireworks storage. “There they forcibly broke open two bunkers and took the fireworks with them.”
Major damage
The extent of the loot only became clear when staff arrived around a quarter to seven on Wednesday morning. “We discovered for ourselves that there had been a burglary.” The first reaction was shock. “Then you immediately start looking: what exactly is missing and how extensive is the damage?”
The damage turned out to be significant. Between 30,000 and 40,000 euros worth of fireworks had disappeared. And that amount is entirely at your own expense. “The fireworks are not insured,” the fireworks seller explains. “Insuring is almost impossible for those few sales days. That makes this extra painful.”
Switch quickly
The biggest concern was whether the store could remain open. Kuijpers managed to switch quickly. “We immediately contacted our suppliers. They really thought along well and immediately came this way with trucks.”
Thanks to the quick action, the store was still able to open as planned. “In the end, we just opened at our normal opening hours and all customers can still visit us today and tomorrow for the last year.”
Additional measures
It surprised him that a fireworks store was targeted. “We have been doing this for twelve or thirteen years and this has never happened to us. I don’t often hear it in the industry that fireworks are removed in this way.”
For the time being, Kuijpers is focusing on limiting further risks. Additional safety measures were immediately taken. “Additional alarm systems have been installed and people will remain present tonight to observe.” Another incident would be hard to bear. “If we experience this again, it will be very bad.”
Research
The police have now started an investigation. A report has been filed and camera images have been requested. “But we don’t know anything else yet,” says Kuijpers. “That is now really up to the police.”
It is uncertain whether the damage can ever be recovered. “The police have said that if the perpetrators are found, the amount can be recovered from them. But to be honest, I don’t know how that works exactly.”
Despite everything, Kuijpers looks ahead. “We are entrepreneurs and we have to keep going,” he says matter-of-factly. “But this remains a significant financial burden.”