**Court Revisits Parkstad Gang**
*Chantalle Donné*
Source: 1Limburg
According to private detective John Vullers, vehicle crime is an underestimated problem.
Several members of the so-called Parkstad Gang are set to appear in court in Maastricht again on Monday, facing suspicions of car thefts and drug trafficking, among other charges.
Romano M. (26) from Heerlen, one of the leaders of the Parkstad Gang, along with his brother Marciano M. (22), Bob P. from Brunssum (22), Tevon de B. from Heerlen (23), and Justin de H. from Schinveld (30), are alleged to have re-formed a criminal organization. Justin de H. is already known to justice, having appeared in the Parkstad Gang dossier.
Criminal Youth Network
The Parkstad Gang, a youth gang consisting of approximately 75 members, committed numerous crimes from 2015 to 2017, including car thefts, fencing, and burglaries. According to the police, law enforcement agencies observe an increasing trend of vehicle thefts serving as a gateway for young people to engage in other forms of criminal activities.
Car Thefts and Assassinations
Is there a connection between car thefts and other forms of serious crimes? Yes, say researchers in a 2022 police report. The report reveals that cars are stolen to order, not only for trade but also because the stolen vehicles appear in serious crimes such as assassinations.
For instance, the murder of lawyer Derk Wiersum on September 18, 2019, was allegedly thoroughly planned by a gang of car thieves, with 26-year-old Jerlonny P. from Brunssum believed to be involved. “No cars, no murder,” said the prosecution in a court in Amsterdam this month. Jerlonny’s connection to car theft is evident from the Parkstad Gang dossier, as he was a member of the youth gang.
Underestimated Problem
According to former detective and private detective John Vullers from Roermond, vehicle crime is an underestimated problem. “On one hand, there is a market demanding stolen cars. The vehicles are sold to fences and then disappear abroad. On the other hand, it also facilitates crime. Stolen cars are used in serious offenses, including murder. In this way, it becomes part of the overall criminal act.”
Targeted Action Day
In May of this year, the police conducted an action day in Parkstad focused on vehicle crime. Searches were carried out at various locations in Heerlen and Kerkrade, resulting in the arrest of nine suspects, mostly between 17 and 20 years old. The police seized vehicles, stolen goods, firearms, knives, and brass knuckles.
Why Parkstad?
But why is vehicle crime a significant problem in Parkstad? According to Vullers, this is influenced by various factors, including the disadvantaged youth living there and the role of the border region. “It is very easy to cross the border, making detection much more challenging. And the associated risk of getting caught is low.”
Money, Money, Money
However, one reason, according to the private detective, should not be forgotten: the money the youth earn from it. How much are we talking about? “Maybe it’s higher now, but to my knowledge, they used to get around 500 euros per car. And that money is mostly spent on drugs. This blurs the boundaries, making them fearless and stealing a car right in front of you. The dirty work is done by the young ones, who are unaware of what they are involved in, while the big guys sit back.”
According to him, the stolen cars are first discreetly parked in residential areas in Parkstad, after which they are taken to a safe location. “Or they store the cars in garage boxes. They put a sticker on them, and through code language, the buyers can pick up the vehicles.”
‘Throwing Away Their Lives’
Vullers describes vehicle crime as highly organized crime. The issue should be addressed not only at the source but also in terms of upbringing, according to the former detective. “They need to realize that they are throwing away their lives. If they really go down the path of thieves, there is almost no turning back.”
