Terrace chair theft has become a troubling issue for local businesses in Sint-Truiden. On the morning of 2025-05-31 00:32:00, Johan Martens, the owner of restaurant Steenstraete, discovered that seven of his terrace chairs had been stolen overnight. This incident follows an earlier theft this year when two chairs went missing.
- Johan Martens discovers seven stolen terrace chairs
- Previous theft involved two stolen chairs
- Theft causes €1,800 damage to business
- Johan files complaint with local police
- Investigates using Bogaardenklooster courtyard footage
- Requests public to report suspicious activity
Johan and his wife, young entrepreneurs working hard to keep their business afloat, face a significant financial setback. With the cost of replacing nine chairs now reaching approximately €1,800, the theft strikes a heavy blow to their small restaurant’s operations. What motivates these repeated thefts, and how can local businesses protect themselves?
Johan has filed a complaint with the local police and hopes that surveillance footage from the former Bogaardenklooster courtyard will shed light on the culprits. He is also calling on residents and passersby in the Diesterstraat area to share any suspicious observations. This community appeal underscores the importance of vigilance in tackling local crime.
What can be done to prevent such thefts from impacting small businesses? Increased community awareness and better security measures could be key. Consider these points:
- Installing visible surveillance cameras to deter thieves
- Encouraging neighbors to report suspicious activity promptly
- Strengthening police patrols in vulnerable commercial areas
As the investigation continues, local residents are encouraged to stay alert and support their independent entrepreneurs. Together, Sint-Truiden can work towards a safer environment where businesses like Steenstraete can thrive without fear of theft.
