Last Spring, there was a wave of burglaries on campus. Residents on the Witbreuksweg were wary. Later, it was a hit at the Matenweg. The suspect was arrested on April 10.
From pre-trial detention, Hengeloër Dennis N. (39) admitted his crimes, as newspaper Tubantia wrote last summer. On September 17, he stood trial for the substantive hearing of the criminal case in the court in Almelo.
The indictment shows what N. stole from students: jewellery, wallets, a bank card and 120 euros. But also sunglasses and, in one case, underwear. However, the theft of underwear could not be proven in court.
'Brutal and extraordinarily infuriating'
What the court did consider proven was that on July 1, 2023, February 22, 2024 and March 6, 2024, N. committed burglaries and attempted burglaries in student housing on campus. He also stole from the changing rooms of the Sports Centre three times on January 27, 2024. After N. was released from pre-trial detention at the end of March, he relapsed in his behaviour; on April 4 and 6, he stole again from the changing rooms of the Sports Centre.
‘The crimes committed by the defendant are brutal and extremely vexatious acts,’ the ruling states. And, strikingly: 'The suspect seems to regard the university grounds as a place where he can strike unrestricted and without any restraint.'
Laptop with study material
It was only after the local police officer informed campus residents that a suspect had been arrested that peace returned among the campus residents. Because of the thefts that N. committed to pay for his drug and alcohol addiction, students also experienced problems with their studies. For example, N. stole a laptop 'with study material and/or research data'. 'In addition to financial problems – due to the purchase of replacement necessary laptops – this has also led to stress and extra work.'
The judge held N. accountable for this, albeit with some mitigating circumstances due to N.'s 'changed attitude'. He admitted his crimes, apologized to the victims during the hearing and wants to come clean. The court sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment, of which 10 months were suspended. He must also report to the probation service and seek treatment for his substance addiction. The wronged students can expect compensation. In one case, the compensation adds up to almost 1200 euros.
