Bronze works of art seem more popular than ever with the criminals in our province. They are stolen from gardens, in front of the provincial house and even from graves. Often with a lot of sadness as a result. While it seems to yield little to the thieves themselves. “For 400 euros you get a hernia.”
It’s been going on and on for the past few months. For example, in front of the provincial government building in Den Bosch, where an enormous bronze sow suddenly disappeared. Moments later, a large fountain disappeared from a backyard in Hilvarenbeek. And two weeks ago, a work of art in the center of Roosendaal was brutally hacked off. And that’s just a sampling of the series of thefts.
Boudewijn Kemner from Cuijk has also read those stories. As a bronze caster, for example, he was responsible for the sculptures of Willy van der Kuijlen next to the Philips Stadium and that of Johan Cruijff next to Camp Nou in Barcelona.
“That statue was worth more than 2 tons. But as scrap? Less than 200 euros.”
Kemner also sees that the number of bronze thefts seems to be increasing. Although, he says, this is nothing new. “This has been happening for years and goes in waves. Why is it so popular now? It will have to do with the higher prices in everyday life. Then everything is welcome.”
Because the striking thing is that such a bronze statue is actually not worth that much at all. “About four euros per kilo. By the time you have collected 400 euros, you also have a hernia. A few years ago, a statue was stolen from an artist. Was worth more than 2 tons. But as scrap? Not even 200 euros.”
In addition, it is damn difficult to get rid of the loot. “Who needs bronze? It’s mainly the watering cans, like me. But any legal company will never accept such an offer. I only buy certified batches of 1000 kilos, which I know are good material.”
Kemner hopes the series of thefts does not frighten buyers. “It would be terrible if people no longer dared to purchase art. We saw that about six years ago. Then customers often wanted some security in the image. But then you put a tracker in the ankle, after which the thieves sawed it off at the knees. It’s no use to you yet.”
“For some people, every euro is one.”
According to a police spokesman, it is difficult to say whether the number of bronze thefts is actually increasing. Especially since there is no separate category for it. “It falls under ‘normal’ thefts.” He does acknowledge that the proceeds for the thieves are often limited. “But for some people every euro is one.”
Another spokesman explains that it is difficult to catch thieves. “After those copper thefts at the railway, ProRail took targeted measures. That has reduced that. But bronze statues can be placed anywhere. There is no hotspot where we can provide extra surveillance. We especially hope that people themselves are extra alert.”
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