Police have arrested two suspects for stealing about 300 cheeses from a cheese farm in Lievelde, Gelderland. The duo tried to sell some of the cheeses through Marktplaats.
The theft took place on the night of November 12-13. The perpetrators entered the store by throwing in a window with a front weight of a tractor. “The total damage is between 30,000 and 40,000 euros,” says shop owner Johannes Weenink Gelderland broadcaster. “Fortunately I am insured.”
Initially, there was no trace of the perpetrators. “We thought we wouldn’t hear from it again”, says Weenink. Until he got a tip. Some of the stolen cheeses – recognizable by the cheese brand and unique number – were offered on Marktplaats.
As a result, the police could arrest a 19-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man from Kaatsheuvel on Saturday. They were released after questioning, but are still suspected of being treated.
‘Not the mastermind’
Cheese maker Weenink does not think they are the main culprits. “I don’t think they are the mastermind, but rather helpers.” The police say they are still working on the investigation and do not rule out more arrests.
Neighborhood officers have now returned nine stolen cheeses. “But they are so damaged that we can no longer sell them.” Weenink thinks that the other cheeses have now been brought abroad, where they can generate a lot of money.
It is not the first time that Dutch cheese farmers have been victims of theft. In 2016 there was even talk of a wave of burglary, when tens of thousands of euros worth of cheese was stolen from at least six farms.
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