Goldsmith Kirsten de Bruijn has been clearing the rubble all day long. In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, two burglars smashed and robbed all the display cases in her studio in Heeze. “Five years of hard work is gone in one go.”
The damage in Kirsten’s shop and studio runs into the many thousands of euros. “I don’t know yet how bad it is exactly. On Thursday I will check with the administration to see what exactly is missing.” These are jewelery designed and made by the goldsmith himself.
“They didn’t really understand what was out there.”
According to Kirsten, the burglars have been inside for less than thirty seconds. When the two had forced the lock in the side door, the alarm went off. Video footage shows how the men then smash all the display cases. “They just didn’t really understand what was there. There was jewelry left that was worth taking, but they did take a lot of silver.”
The havoc in the goldsmith’s shop is no less great. “I’ve been busy all day and that while I actually had a holiday after the busy Christmas period.” The police are investigating and have requested CCTV footage in the area, but Kirsten fears she has lost everything forever.
“Thank God I still have the sentimental jewelry.”
Yet there is also a windfall for Kirsten. “The thieves have not taken anything from customers that has emotional value. For example, I make new jewelry from wedding rings of deceased loved ones. You shouldn’t think about something like this being stolen.”
The goldsmith is very disappointed. “Five years of hard work is gone at once thanks to two morons and it’s a havoc.” She does receive countless messages and even flowers from people who wish her strength after the burglary. “And that also eases the pain a bit,” says Kirsten. Despite all the damage, she hopes to be open again on January 3.