The first theft occurred on April 26, 2023. The accused, acting in concert with others, removed two semi-trailers full of steel profiles from the company’s premises. The court emphasized that the perpetrator and his accomplices gained access to the premises through burglary, which constituted a serious violation of property and a significant social impact of their actions.
Additionally, on August 14, 2023, the accused was caught at night in a truck with his father near one of the stolen semi-trailers. The vehicle had a false license plate, and the original one was found behind the passenger seat. The men did not have transport documents, and the fee for transporting the semi-trailer was exceptionally high, leading the court to classify the act as knowingly receiving criminal proceeds (opzetheling).
High risk of recidivism and aggravating circumstances
The court took into account the man’s previous convictions, including the fact that he committed a new offense while on probation. A report from correctional services indicated a high risk of recidivism and limited potential for behavioral change through supervision.
Compensation – over 70,000 euros
The court also awarded the injured transport company €70,000 for the stolen steel profiles. The defendants are to pay the compensation. The court did not consider the claims concerning the trailers themselves due to insufficient evidence that the men had stolen the trailer themselves. However, the court found that the defendant should have known it was a stolen trailer. This finding was based on factors such as the time of day, false license plates, lack of transport documentation, and the exceptionally high price of the order.
A lesson for the transportation industry
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of securing the premises and thoroughly vetting contractors, even when transporting through reputable companies. Even minor errors, such as lack of documentation or carelessness in vehicle verification, can lead to significant losses and criminal liability.
