Belgian Teen Steals Buses Repeatedly for Night Joyrides

Teenager's Unauthorized Nightly Bus Rides

A 16-year-old boy in Tournai, Belgium, has repeatedly stolen buses from a depot operated by public transport company LeTec to go on nighttime joyrides, astonishing local authorities and bus drivers alike with his apparent skill behind the wheel. The teenager, who does not possess a driver's license, has been caught multiple times but continues to pursue what one bus driver called an 'incredibly talented' yet dangerous hobby.

According to LeTec spokesperson, the boy has taken buses from the company's secure depot on several occasions over the past months. He drives the large yellow vehicles through the night and abandons them by morning, sometimes leaving them up to 30 kilometers away. The most recent incident occurred on the night of Monday, June 1, 2026, when the teen entered the fenced-off depot, stole a bus, and drove it to Mouscron, about 30 km from Tournai.

Pattern of Repeat Offenses

Local police have identified the teenager and have intervened multiple times, but the boy has not been deterred. The LeTec company confirmed to VRT Nieuws that the 16-year-old has been stealing buses from their subcontractor's depot for some time. 'He drives around all night and leaves the bus somewhere towards morning,' a LeTec spokesperson said.

Remarkably, despite lacking formal training or a license, the teen has never caused an accident or damaged a bus during his nocturnal excursions. A professional bus driver quoted by SudInfo called the feat 'astonishing,' saying: 'Honestly, for a 16-year-old, he is incredibly talented.' However, the driver also stressed the inherent danger of the activity. There are unconfirmed reports that the boy occasionally picked up passengers during his rides, though LeTec could not verify this.

Security Concerns and Legal Consequences

The repeated thefts have raised serious questions about security at the depot. LeTec has requested that the site's manager implement better safety measures to prevent future incidents. The public transport security measures in Belgium are now under scrutiny following these events.

The public prosecutor's office is investigating the case. It remains unclear what legal consequences the teenager will face. Under Belgian law, minors can be subject to juvenile justice measures, which may include supervision, educational programs, or placement in a youth institution. The juvenile crime prevention programs in Belgium may need to address such unusual cases.

Comparisons to Previous Incidents

This is not the first time a teenager has stolen a bus in Europe. In recent years, similar cases have occurred in Germany, Norway, and the Czech Republic. In one notable incident, a 14-year-old boy in Norway stole a bus and drove it over 300 km before being intercepted by police. Another case involved a German teen who stole a bus to drive his girlfriend to school. These incidents highlight a growing trend of minors commandeering large vehicles, often with surprising competence but significant risk.

The Tournai case is particularly striking due to the repeated nature of the offenses. Despite being caught and identified, the teenager has continued his nightly joyrides, suggesting that standard police interventions have not been sufficient to stop him. The Belgian juvenile justice system may need to consider more robust measures to address this pattern.

FAQ

How did the teenager steal the buses?

He entered the fenced-off depot of LeTec's subcontractor at night, accessed the buses, and drove them away. The exact method of gaining entry has not been disclosed, but security was apparently insufficient to prevent repeated thefts.

Did the teenager ever cause an accident?

No. Despite multiple joyrides, the 16-year-old has never been involved in an accident or caused damage to the buses, according to LeTec and police reports.

What legal consequences does the teen face?

The public prosecutor is investigating. As a minor, he could face juvenile justice measures such as supervision, educational programs, or placement in a youth detention facility. Specific charges have not been announced.

Has this happened before in Belgium?

Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in Europe, but this is a particularly notable case in Belgium due to the repeated nature of the thefts and the teen's apparent driving skill.

What is LeTec doing to prevent future thefts?

LeTec has asked the depot manager to improve security measures. Specific upgrades have not been detailed, but the company is taking the incidents seriously.

Sources

• NOS Nieuws - 'Belgische tiener speelt 's nachts voor buschauffeur met gestolen bussen' (June 3, 2026)
• VRT Nieuws - '16-year-old steals bus, plays bus driver at night and even picks up passengers' (June 3, 2026)
• SudInfo - Quotes from professional bus driver