Frenchman arrested for bicycle theft on the West Coast

The West Coast police zone was confronted with a series of bicycle thefts in De Panne and Koksijde last summer. The perpetrators targeted more expensive mountain bikes and electric bicycles. Thanks to thorough detective work, a gang of thieves could be identified.

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The investigation revealed a 22-year-old Frenchman from the Dunkirk region as the key figure. The main suspect is said to have acted as client and made use of a remarkable modus operandi. He mainly brought underage accomplices to Belgium.

His companions not only had to steal the bicycles, but also cycle back to France with the loot. Just over the French border, the stolen bicycles were retrieved by the pivotal figure. His accomplices received a small amount of money for their share.

Prison or not

In total, fourteen bicycle thefts could be linked to the perpetrators using the same method. The Veurne department of the West Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office demanded a judicial investigation and asked for the young Frenchman’s extradition. He was arrested in Dunkirk on 26 August.

On Thursday, the suspect was handed over by France to the Belgian authorities. After questioning by the West Coast police zone, he was brought before the investigating judge on Friday afternoon. He decided to keep him. The council chamber will decide on Tuesday whether or not he should remain in prison.