Three boys arrested after break-ins at fire stations in Amsterdam and Duivendrecht

Police have arrested three boys aged 13, 16 and 17 from Amsterdam on suspicion of break-ins at fire stations in Amsterdam and Duivendrecht, the police said on Tuesday. The boys were arrested on the morning of Tuesday 10 November, and their homes were searched.

They are suspected of involvement in break-ins at three fire stations: the Willem and Osdorp stations in Amsterdam, and the station in Duivendrecht.

Life-saving equipment stolen

Detectives started an extensive investigation after a series of break-ins at fire stations this summer. Goods and specialised equipment were taken, equipment that is essential for saving lives, the police said.

Because of the break-ins, the fire service no longer has life-saving equipment such as cutters and spreaders, which are used to free trapped people. The series of break-ins also forced the fire service to take several measures that affect its response time, according to the police.

A wave of break-ins at fire stations

Fire stations across the Netherlands have been targeted. The police counted 60 break-ins and attempted break-ins at fire stations in 2026 up to 14 August, against 17 in 2024 and about 18 in 2025, the police said in August. The thieves appear to be after tools, mainly heavy hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams.

“The police see that this kind of tool is used in professional break-ins in the Netherlands and other European countries, at jewellers and electronics shops among others,” said Jos van der Stap, the police’s national project leader for high-impact crime.

The police have not said why the equipment was taken in Amsterdam and Duivendrecht.

Impact on firefighters

The impact on firefighters is big, the police said. The fire station is their safe base, where they stay and sleep.

The police did not say whether the boys are still in custody.