The vacant Carmelite convent in the Limburg municipality of Leopoldsburg has been severely damaged by vandals. Dozens of stained-glass windows have been smashed, doors have been wrecked and a balustrade pushed over. The convent is due to be converted into flats and a fence had been put up around it to keep out intruders. However, this did nothing to deter the vandals.
The Mayor of Leopoldsburg Wouter Beke (Christian democrat) told VRT News that "The convent has been empty for 12 years. Up until now we had not had any problems that were worthy of note. There are plans for a nice residential project here. Planning permission has already been granted. The building contractor has now for adequate fencing to be erected. As a municipal authority we will of course do our bit”.
In recent weeks the convent has been vistited several times by intruders. During their most recent visit they not only broke in but also carried out acts of vandalism.
Mr Beke told VRT News that the municipal authorities have taken measures "A few weeks ago they entered via the garden. I asked the owner straight away to secure the site. Fences have been erected. Last weekend they entered via the front door. This is pure and simply wilful destruction”.
"The owner has reported the incident to the police. They have opened an investigation. If anyone has seen anything they can always contact the police”, Mayor Beke told VRT News.