Four of the victims were unsuspectingly riding their bikes when a young man on a scooter rode alongside them, snatching their bags from their bike baskets or bags and speeding away. Two other victims were walking on the street, where the suspect tried to pull their bags from their shoulders with the scooter. The thefts occurred throughout Almere on Monday.

When the first reports came in to the police, the detectives immediately started an investigation. Among other things, they requested and reviewed (public) camera footage. Based on that footage, the suspect was recognized by a police officer. The man was arrested the next day, Tuesday afternoon, September 9, in Almere. After his arrest, no new reports came in. The police assume that the currently detained suspect is responsible for the series of thefts. He is still in custody, and the investigation into his involvement in the series of thefts continues.

Tips and camera footage welcome
Witnesses or individuals with relevant tips related to the investigation or those who have camera footage can pass this on to the detectives via tel. 0900-8844 or anonymously via tel. 0800-7000.

The robberies occurred at these times and locations:
4:30 PM Havendreef
5:50 PM Lumierepad
6:13 PM Starleypad
9:10 PM Groep Meelhuysenstraat
9:45 PM Kromgouw (attempt)
11:00 PM Klavergriend