The landscaping company itself bears the costs. “Insurance companies no longer burn their hands in this,” says Levi Dam. Tools in a bus can only be insured under very strict conditions. “The premium can only be paid if you have the vans inside. But yes, if you have twelve cars you need a huge shed to store them.”
Another option is extra locks on all commercial vehicles. An investment of at least 600 euros per car. “If you want to do that for all cars, you will also spend more than 6,000 euros, but I still plan to do that.”
‘Don’t get angry about it’
For a victimized entrepreneur, Dam reacts remarkably sober and calmly to the damage that has been done to him. “There’s no point in getting angry about it. I can deal with setbacks quite well, something happens every day. I prefer to spend my energy on things I can influence.”
Theft from company vans is common, especially during the dark winter months. “It would be a good idea if companies started a kind of compensation fund together,” Dam fantasizes, “if you all contribute a few tens of euros every month, you can at least help an affected colleague.” He emphasizes that it is an idea and not a plan “I have enough to do, but if anyone picks up that idea, they would have my support.”
Investigation and reporting
The police confirm that there were a number of burglaries in Heemskerkerduin around New Year’s Eve. An investigation has been launched and the police are calling on local residents who were burglarized to report the burglary. The police also requests that any images of possible perpetrators be shared with the police.
Kim Boscher of the police advises against sharing those images yourself on social media, because this could negatively influence a possible trial against a suspect later. “Some suspects are claiming a reduced sentence or acquittal if images of them have already been distributed.”