Four men were arrested on Tuesday in the criminal investigation into the car fires around the turn of the year in Veen. They are suspected of involvement in the arson attacks. In the weeks before New Year’s Eve, 14 fuel cars went up in flames at the intersection of Witboomstraat, Van der Loosstraat and Mussentiend.
It concerns four young men: two from Wijk en Aalburg (19 and 21) and two from Veen (20 and 21). They are in custody for questioning. Investigators are continuing their investigation and may expect more arrests.
Mayor Egbert Lichtenberg of the municipality of Altena is happy to respond to the investigation and the arrests: “Compliments for the approach of the police and the Public Prosecution Service. Where possible, we are committed to recovering damages.”
Tradition
Setting fire to old cars, often filled with all kinds of combustible materials, is a popular tradition in Veen. “An annually recurring phenomenon that creates dangerous situations for local residents and bystanders,” said the police. “Heavy illegal fireworks are also set off. Local residents suffer damage to their homes and experience a lot of nuisance. The fires are also increasingly attracting people from outside Veen.”