A shocking incident occurred in Mariakerke on August 14, when a 45-year-old woman was forced to withdraw cash at gunpoint while accompanied by her six-year-old son. The federal police and the East Flanders prosecutor’s office have since issued an appeal for information regarding this alarming case.
- Federal police issued a warning about extortion.
- A 45-year-old woman was threatened for money.
- Incident occurred on August 14 at 1:30 PM.
- Suspect described as a young man, approximately 20.
- Victim noted suspect spoke local dialect, not Gents.
- Police request information via hotline or email.
Robbery Incident in Mariakerke Raises Safety Concerns for Families
How safe are our neighborhoods? In Mariakerke, a mother and her child faced a terrifying situation when they were approached by a young man demanding money. This brazen act has left many residents feeling vulnerable and concerned about their safety.
The Details of the Robbery: What Happened?
The robbery took place around 1:30 PM at Claeys-Boúúaert Park when the woman was enjoying time with her son. Suddenly, she was confronted by a young man with what appeared to be a firearm, demanding cash from her.
- The suspect is approximately 20 years old and 1.80 meters tall.
- He had wavy blond/brown hair visible from under his hood.
- The suspect wore black sports clothing and carried a gray backpack.
- A surveillance camera captured his image during the crime.
Description of the Suspect: Key Identifiers to Note
The perpetrator is described as having white skin with distinctive features that may help identify him. Witnesses noted he spoke with a local dialect but not typical Gents slang, making him potentially recognizable to locals.
Community Response: How Residents Can Stay Safe
This incident serves as a wake-up call for community vigilance. Residents are encouraged to take precautions such as:
- Avoiding isolated areas, especially during off-peak hours.
- Staying aware of their surroundings while out in public spaces.
- Reporting any suspicious behavior immediately to law enforcement.
- Participating in community watch programs if available.
This event underscores the importance of safety awareness within communities across Belgium—and even globally—reminding US all that vigilance can help prevent future incidents like this one.
