News report | 01-12-2025 | 16:56
A 21-year-old man from Rotterdam had to appear before the police court today, Monday, December 1, because in August, together with a minor girl, he defrauded and robbed two elderly women aged 83 and 73 in Den Helder by posing as a police officer along with others.
The public prosecutor demanded a prison sentence of eight months (240 days), of which 169 days were conditional, with a deduction of 71 days pre-trial detention and a probation period of three years. This means the man does not have to return to prison. Additionally, he must comply with special conditions advised by probation services. The Public Prosecution Service also required him to perform 240 hours of community service and pay compensation of a total of €1875 to one of the victims. The other victim did not join as an injured party.
The police judge sentenced the man almost in accordance with the demand, only imposing a lower community service of 120 hours.
What happened that day
On Monday, August 25, an 83-year-old woman from Den Helder was called by a man who pretended to be a police officer. The suspect who appeared in court today was not the one who called but drove from Rotterdam together with a minor co-defendant to Den Helder to extort money from the victims.
They convinced the woman that they were from the detective department, that her money was in danger. They said her debit card had been used for withdrawals and that the police would ensure her card was blocked. They would come to her door later that day to collect her bank card. They also asked questions about the presence of jewelry and money in the house.
Soon after, the girl stood at the womans door asking for her debit card and cash. The victim hesitated but eventually gave her card and money. The girl went downstairs with an excuse. When she did not return, the victim called the police.
It soon appeared that €1100 had been withdrawn with her card and she had given €400 in cash, so she lost €1500.
Another 73-year-old woman was also called by a man pretending to be from the police. This time with the story that a burglary was planned at the womans home. The man asked her many questions until his police colleague arrived at the door. The girl took jewelry and the womans bank card. The scammers stole a total amount of €3150 from this victim.
The two were arrested after an almost two-hour search in Wassenaar. Fortunately, the victims jewelry was found in the car and €2050 in cash.
Regret
The 21-year-old suspect was caught red-handed. He was also seen on camera while withdrawing money. In court, he admitted the facts and expressed regret.
The public prosecutor emphasized the seriousness of the facts during the hearing. Immediately after the debit cards were stolen, the suspects tried to get as much money as possible, all at the expense of the victims.
They drove all the way from Rotterdam to defraud and rob two elderly women in Den Helder. The public prosecutor emphasized that this not only caused a feeling of insecurity among the victims but in society as a whole. Who can you still trust?
In court, the suspect told the victim he was sorry, and she accepted his apology.
The minor girl must answer to the juvenile court in Rotterdam at a later date.
