Massive Package Theft Operation Uncovered in Belgian Border Town
Belgian police have arrested a 31-year-old delivery driver who allegedly stole hundreds of packages worth between €50,000 and €80,000 and attempted to sell the contents on Facebook Marketplace. The shocking case came to light when a victim recognized their undelivered items being offered for sale online.
Hundreds of Packages Found During House Search
During a raid on a residence in Bocholt, a municipality in Belgium's Limburg province near the Dutch border, police discovered what they described as a 'staggering' collection of stolen goods. The packages contained everything from collectible trading cards to high-value electronics.
'We found hundreds of packages that had been deliberately withheld from delivery,' said a spokesperson for the CARMA police zone. 'The suspect had created what amounted to a personal warehouse of stolen goods.'
The stolen items included Pokémon, Lorcana, and Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards, Funko Pop figures featuring characters from Harry Potter and Marvel franchises, towels, carpets, suitcases, and various electrical appliances. All items have been seized as evidence.
How the Scheme Was Discovered
The investigation began when an alert victim noticed their undelivered package contents being advertised on Facebook Marketplace. The victim had been waiting for their order and grew suspicious when tracking information showed the package as 'delivered' but never arrived.
'This case shows the importance of victims reporting suspicious activity,' explained the investigating officer. 'When people see their stolen goods being sold online, they should immediately contact authorities.'
Police traced the online advertisements back to the suspect, leading to the house search in Bocholt. The 31-year-old man has been questioned and will appear before a judge at a later date.
Package Theft: A Growing Global Problem
This case highlights a broader trend of package theft affecting consumers worldwide. According to 2025 package theft statistics, approximately 89.4 million packages were stolen globally in 2024, representing 3.2% of all residential deliveries and causing $12 billion in direct losses.
The 2025 Package Theft Report reveals that one in four Americans has experienced package theft, with theft rates increasing by 36% over the past five years. In Europe, similar trends are emerging as e-commerce continues to grow.
'Delivery drivers have a position of trust, and when that trust is violated, it undermines the entire delivery system,' noted a logistics security expert. 'Companies need better vetting processes and monitoring systems to prevent insider theft.'
Legal Consequences and Consumer Protection
The suspect faces serious charges under Belgian law. According to legal experts, package theft can be prosecuted as theft or larceny, with penalties varying based on the value of stolen goods. For thefts exceeding €50,000, the suspect could face significant prison time.
Consumers affected by package theft are advised to:
- Report thefts immediately to both the delivery company and police
- Document all evidence including tracking numbers and photos
- Monitor online marketplaces for stolen goods
- Consider using package lockers or secure delivery options
The CARMA police zone, which covers the Bocholt area, has emphasized their commitment to combating package theft. 'We take these crimes seriously because they affect people's trust in essential services,' their statement read.
Broader Implications for E-commerce
This incident raises questions about security measures within delivery networks. As online shopping continues to grow—with 70% of holiday shopping now occurring online according to recent statistics—the vulnerability of packages during the 'last mile' of delivery becomes increasingly concerning.
Delivery companies are implementing various security measures, including GPS tracking, signature requirements, and real-time delivery notifications. However, cases like this demonstrate that insider threats remain a significant challenge.
The Belgian case serves as a warning to both consumers and delivery companies about the importance of vigilance in the age of e-commerce. As police continue their investigation, they're urging anyone who may have been a victim of similar thefts to come forward.