More barn burglaries in the country and province, but not in M-Groningen

In Central Groningen, almost half as many shed burglaries were reported to the police last year than in 2022. While this happened 61 times in 2022, last year the police recorded 31 shed burglaries in this municipality. This makes Central Groningen, with the municipalities of Pekela (4 burglaries in 2023, 5 in 2022) and Het Hogeland (19 versus 17), an exception in the province of Groningen.

The number of barn burglaries increased here from 344 to 397 (+15.4 percent). This is evident from research by Independer based on data from the police and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).

Nationwide

Nationally, more than 11,000 burglaries in sheds, outbuildings and garages were reported to the police last year. An increase of 3.1 percent compared to 2022.

Electric bicycles

“This significant increase shows once again how important it is to properly close sheds and garages with decent locks. Electric bicycles and, for example, a Green Egg barbecue are expensive items. Insurers also only reimburse if the space is properly closed. If the The shed door was simply open, the cover does not apply,” says Michel Ypma, home insurance expert at Independer.

Barn burglaries in the municipalities in the province of Groningen in 2023 and, by the way, in 2022:

Groningen: 202 (150); Eems Delta: 34 (33); Central Groningen: 31 (61); Oldambt: 31 (28); Stadskanaal: 27 (20); Westerwolde: 22 (7); Westerkwartier: 19 (17); The Hogeland: 17 (18); Veendam: 10 (5) and Pekela: 4 (5).

Number of burglaries in 2023 per 1,000 homes:

Westerwolde: 1.9, Stadskanaal: 1.8, Oldambt: 1.7, Eemsdelta: 1.6, Groningen: 1.4, Central Groningen; 1.1Veendam and Het Hoogeland: 0.8 and Pekela and Westerkwartier: 0.7.

Contents insurance

Ypma: “Burglary in a shed or cellar at the same address as your house is in principle covered by your home contents insurance. There must really be a case of burglary and a report must have been made to the police. Please also note that other rules apply if the box is not located at your home address. You really have to report this to your insurance.”

Dates

For this data, data from the police and CBS were used. For the analysis per 1,000 households, municipalities with 10 or fewer thefts in 2023 are not included. These municipalities are also not included in the top lists for the percentage differences.

Knowing more?

Click HERE and read more about Independer’s research.

Photo: Pixabay.com.