Robbery in the Kaatsmuseum building in Franeker, chairman fears damage

In association with

Omrop Friesland

NOS News•today, 10:46

An explosive burglary took place in the center of Franeker last night. The ATM that was targeted was located on the outside facade of the Kaats Museum building, which is completely dedicated to the Frisian sport of handball. The chairman is devastated, he tells Omrop Fryslân.

The explosion happened around 3:30 am. There was a huge bang. “The emergency lights of all cars went off. I thought: these are not fireworks,” says a resident.

The explosion blew the ATM out of the wall and severely damaged the facade. Money ended up on the street, the broadcaster writes.

Chairman Bram Bonnema of the Kaatsmuseum immediately went to the museum. “This is senseless destruction,” he says. He is afraid of damage. “Behind the ATM there is a display case with cash prizes. I am very concerned about what it looks like inside,” he says. The Kaats Museum is the oldest sports museum in the Netherlands.

This morning the Defense Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service was at the building for an investigation. The perpetrators are on the run. According to the police, it is unclear whether they took anything.