Burglary wave hits fire stations across the Netherlands
Criminals appear to be targeting hydraulic rescue equipment in particular.
Fire stations have been the target of large-scale burglaries and attempted break-ins since late 2025. Police suspect the stolen equipment is being used in professional burglaries, but are still investigating whether a single gang is behind the cases.
By 14 August 2026, police had recorded 60 burglaries or attempted break-ins at fire stations across the Netherlands. RTL Nieuws reported 62 cases several days later, followed by 63. The figures have different cut-off dates and therefore cannot be compared directly. It is nevertheless clear that the number is far higher than in 2024 and 2025, when 17 and 18 incidents respectively were recorded.
According to police, the haul consists mainly of hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams. The equipment is used to free people from vehicles, open doors or cut through metal. Batteries and smaller tools were also taken. Police say dozens of heavy-duty tools have been stolen.
The material is presumably attractive to criminals because of its specific uses. According to police, similar hydraulic equipment is used in the Netherlands and other European countries in professional burglaries, for example at jewellers and electronics shops. This is an investigative hypothesis, not an established link between all the cases.
The thefts create a practical safety problem. Firefighters must be able to access their equipment quickly when people are trapped or a building needs to be evacuated. Keeping everything locked away can delay operations; leaving the equipment unsecured makes further theft easier. The specialised tools are also expensive and not always immediately available.
Safety regions are therefore looking for tailored solutions. The fire service has brought in security companies to carry out risk analyses at stations where security is inadequate. Possible measures include cameras, thermal cameras and permanent guards, but the precise approach differs by location and is not being made public.
In a separate investigation, police arrested a 21-year-old man from Haarlem in August after an attempted break-in at the station in Spaarndam. A DNA match led to the suspect, who according to police is also being investigated for possible involvement in other cases. An arrest does not prove that he is part of a nationwide group. Police are still trying to establish how many perpetrators and networks are involved in the burglary wave.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The number of burglaries and attempted break-ins at fire stations has risen sharply since late 2025.
- The stolen equipment is needed for rescue operations.
- Fire service regions are investigating additional security measures.
Left
Arguments The government must ensure that public emergency services have sufficient staff, equipment and security. Costs should not be passed on to individual safety regions.
Values Public safety, collective responsibility and equal protection.
Consequences Greater public investment could protect the availability of rescue equipment, but would increase pressure on government budgets.
Centre
Arguments Security should be tailored to the risks at each station without reducing the speed of emergency response. Police, the fire service and safety regions should jointly determine which measures work.
Values Proportionality, practicality and institutional responsibility.
Consequences Tailored solutions prevent unnecessary costs, but may lead to differences between regions.
Right
Arguments The priority should be rapid detection, tough sentences and immediate security for vulnerable locations. Criminals must not be allowed to exploit publicly accessible facilities.
Values Order, deterrence and protection of property and emergency workers.
Consequences Stronger security and a tougher approach could increase the likelihood of arrests, but must not hinder operational speed.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is based on a police report and two publicly available RTL publications. Differences in the counts are explicitly presented as differences in cut-off dates.
- confirmed By 14 August 2026, police had recorded 60 burglaries or attempted break-ins at fire stations. — This is stated in the police report about the arrest in Spaarndam. source
- confirmed In 2024 and 2025, 17 and 18 incidents respectively were recorded. — Police give these figures in the same report. source
- confirmed Hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams were the main items stolen. — Police explicitly name these types of equipment. source
- confirmed Police are investigating whether the stolen equipment is being used in professional burglaries. — Police describe this as observed usage and are investigating possible links. source
- confirmed Security companies are carrying out risk analyses at some stations. — RTL bases this on confirmation from the fire service. source
Editor's note
The nationwide increase, the nature of the equipment and the security measures have been confirmed. The current headline refers to a higher number than the latest publicly available police and RTL figures; that higher number has therefore not been presented as an established fact.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „brandweer inbraken”
- RTL Nieuws — „brandweer inbraken”
- NOS — „brandweer inbraken”