TL;DR
A 34-year-old man from Breda stole an ANWB roadside-assistance vehicle after abandoning his own car, led police on a chase and ultimately took a police car before officers stopped and detained him. Authorities have not released a motive.
What happened
According to local reports, the incident began when a 34-year-old man from Breda was asked to leave a defence site near Gilze-Rijen air base after taking photographs. He left his own car and tried — unsuccessfully — to take a woman’s vehicle, but managed to steal an ANWB roadside-assistance vehicle and drove off toward Dongen. Police pursued but halted the marked-vehicle chase because of dangerous driving, including travel on a cycle path, and continued in an unmarked car. At traffic lights in Breda-Noord the suspect collided with officers’ car and escaped. He later attempted to steal another car near the NAC stadium; while officers were assisting the vehicle’s owner he seized an opportunity and took the police vehicle. Fleeing toward Etten-Leur, he tried to take a further occupied vehicle but failed; officers subsequently stopped him and took him into custody. Police have not disclosed the suspect’s motive.
Why it matters
- The episode highlights risks posed by high-speed or erratic driving during vehicle-theft pursuits and the potential for escalation.
- It underscores vulnerabilities when officers transition between marked and unmarked vehicles during an active incident.
- The theft of both a civilian-assistance vehicle and a police car raises questions about asset security and response tactics.
- Attempts to seize occupied vehicles increase immediate danger to members of the public and responding officers.
Key facts
- Suspect is described as a 34-year-old man from Breda.
- Incident began near the Gilze-Rijen air base after the man was asked to leave a defence site.
- He abandoned his own car, failed to steal a woman’s car, then successfully took an ANWB vehicle.
- Police pursued but suspended the marked-vehicle chase because of dangerous driving, including on a cycle path.
- Officers continued pursuit in an unmarked car and attempted an arrest at traffic lights in Breda-Noord; the suspect crashed into their vehicle and escaped.
- Near the NAC stadium the suspect tried to steal another car; during that intervention he stole the police car.
- While fleeing toward Etten-Leur he attempted to take another vehicle with an occupant inside but failed.
- Officers eventually stopped the suspect and took him into custody; police have not released a motive.
What to watch next
- Whether prosecutors will announce specific charges and any court dates — not confirmed in the source.
- If police or municipal authorities will review pursuit or vehicle-security procedures after the thefts — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether details will emerge about damage to the ANWB or police vehicles and how they were recovered — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- ANWB: A Dutch organisation that provides roadside assistance, travel services and other mobility-related support.
- Unmarked vehicle: A police car without visible badges or markings used for covert or less conspicuous operations.
- Cycle path: A lane or pathway designated for bicycle traffic, commonly found in Dutch urban and suburban areas.
- Traffic lights: Signals at road intersections used to control vehicle and pedestrian movement.
Reader FAQ
Was anyone injured during the incident?
Not confirmed in the source.
Why did the man take the vehicles?
Police have not released a motive, according to the report.
How many vehicles did he try to steal and how many did he take?
The report describes five theft attempts: he failed to take a woman’s car, successfully stole an ANWB vehicle, failed at a car near the NAC stadium, successfully took a police car, and failed to take another occupied vehicle while fleeing.
Where was the suspect arrested?
Officers stopped him and took him into custody after he fled toward Etten-Leur.
Dutch police chase man for stealing vehicles, then have their own car stolen Well, that's awkward… NEWS CRIME WEIRD Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪 January 13, 2026 Last updated January 13, 2026…
Sources
- Dutch police have their own car stolen during car theft chase
- High speed car chase from Belgium to Amsterdam, suspect …
- Dutch man arrested in Vienna after high-speed chase
- One suspect dead after Dutch robbery ends in high-speed …
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