Three fire station break-ins reported in Oss in one week

A series of burglaries at three fire stations in Oss this week, combined with a broader pattern of break-ins across Noord-Brabant in recent months, has raised concerns among authorities.

The break-ins occurred at fire stations in Ravenstein, Berghem and Geffen, all within the municipality of Oss, where expensive rescue equipment was stolen. Officials from the regional safety authority said additional security measures have now been implemented at other stations in the area.

The first burglary took place overnight from Sunday to Monday in Ravenstein. A second followed from Tuesday to Wednesday in Berghem, and a third occurred Thursday night in Geffen. The Geffen station had also been targeted in a similar incident earlier in February, according to regional broadcaster Omroep Brabant.

Authorities said the perpetrators used the same method in each case: smashing a window in a roller door, entering the building, and removing tools. The stolen equipment is described as heavy and costly, typically used by firefighters to cut open vehicles or gain access to buildings during emergencies. Officials declined to specify the exact items taken.

The incidents are part of what appears to be a wider wave of burglaries targeting fire stations across Noord-Brabant. Earlier this month, a station in Bergeijk was hit, while previous break-ins were reported in Someren in January and in Zundert, Bladel and Heeze in December.