Knokke-Heist (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 15, 2026 – A court in Bruges sentenced two men in their twenties to prison terms for the brazen theft of an expensive watch from a tourist in Knokke-Heist. The public prosecutor’s office described the robbery as deliberate and violent, occurring in broad daylight on a busy street. Police investigations led to swift arrests and conviction based on CCTV evidence and witness testimonies.
The incident took place on the afternoon of 12 July 2025 outside a luxury jeweller on Grote Markt in Knokke-Heist, a coastal town known for high-end retail. The victim, a 42-year-old visitor from the Netherlands, reported the theft immediately to local police. Responding officers secured the scene and launched enquiries within the hour.
Judges at the Bruges Correctional Court delivered verdicts following a three-day trial concluding on 14 January 2026. Both defendants received custodial sentences exceeding two years each.
Details of the Theft Incident
Two men approached the victim as he examined watches displayed in the jeweller’s window. One suspect distracted him with conversation while the other snatched a €28,500 Rolex Submariner from his wrist. The pair fled on foot toward waiting bicycles parked 50 metres away.
CCTV cameras captured the entire sequence from three angles, providing clear facial recognition. The victim sustained minor wrist abrasions requiring medical attention at AZ Sint-Jan hospital. Police recovered the bicycles abandoned near Heist station 20 minutes later.
The theft occurred during peak tourist season with over 300 pedestrians witnessing the event. Five individuals provided statements identifying the suspects from police photofits circulated within hours.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Prosecutors charged the defendants with robbery under Article 461 of the Belgian Penal Code, carrying a minimum five-year sentences. Additional counts included assault and theft with violence. Both men, aged 23 and 26 from Ghent suburbs, pleaded not guilty citing mistaken identity.
Trial evidence included forensic matching of fibres from the victim’s shirt to clothing worn by suspects. Mobile phone geolocation placed both devices at the scene between 15:22 and 15:38. DNA traces recovered from bicycle handlebars confirmed identities.
Judges rejected defence claims of alibi evidence, noting inconsistencies in witness testimonies provided by family members.
Sentences and Additional Penalties
The 23-year-old primary suspect received a three-year prison sentence, serving 18 months immediately with balance on probation. The accomplice got two years and eight months, with 14 months custody. Courts imposed €5,800 restitution orders plus €2,200 court costs each.
Probation conditions mandate six months community service and alcohol counselling programmes. Both men surrendered passports pending appeal processes. Victim compensation fund advanced €15,000 interim payment.
Sentencing followed guidelines established in 2023 luxury goods robbery cases averaging 32 months incarceration.
Police Investigation Timeline
Knokke-Heist Police activated Plan Patrouille within 45 minutes, deploying 28 officers across coastal zone. ANPR cameras flagged suspects’ vehicle on E40 motorway toward Ghent at 16:12. Traffic unit executed controlled stop near Aalter, recovering the watch in glove compartment.
Arrests occurred at 17:05 with both men testing positive for cannabis. Vehicles impounded for forensic search yielding additional stolen property valued at €4,200. House searches uncovered burglary tools and cloned number plates.
Federal Police fingerprints database confirmed prior
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