On the evening of December 24, the pigeon racing world was shaken by yet another brazen burglary attempt. This time, Vincent Schroeder, one of the most respected champions in the sport and winner of the prestigious Barcelona race, was targeted. Around 10 PM, intruders attempted to break into his pigeon lofts in Schalkhoven, a shocking event that underscores the growing threat to pigeon fanciers. 

A Nighttime Assault

Thanks to Vincent Schroeder’s vigilance and advanced security measures, including a modern alarm system and surveillance cameras, disaster was narrowly avoided. Footage showed two individuals closely observing the lofts before attempting to break in. When the alarm went off, the intruders fled in panic. Fortunately, the pigeons were unharmed, but the incident leaves behind a bitter aftertaste. It’s a stark reminder that even the most careful enthusiasts are not immune to this alarming wave of crime.

A Growing Plague in the Pigeon Racing World

The attempted break-in at Schroeder’s loft is not an isolated case. In recent months, a true plague of pigeon thefts has swept through the sport. Names like Paul Haesaert, Tom and Marnik Van Gaver, and Jos and Jan Loobuyck have already fallen victim to similar crimes. The thieves seem to focus on the top echelons of the sport, where pigeons are often worth thousands, if not tens of thousands, of euros. 

The Royal Belgian Pigeon Fanciers Federation (KBDB) previously warned about this alarming trend, calling for increased vigilance. "This is no longer a coincidence. It seems that organized gangs have chosen the pigeon sport as their target," the organization stated in a recent alert. 

A Precious Target: Pigeons in High Demand

The motivation behind these thefts is clear. Top pigeons, like those in Schroeder’s loft, represent not only an emotional value for their owners but also a financial goldmine. Champion pigeons or offspring from proven racing and breeding lines are highly sought after on the international market. These valuable birds are often sold illegally or used in breeding programs, away from the eyes of the legitimate pigeon racing community.

Schroeder: “This Could Have Ended Much Worse”

Vincent Schroeder, who installed extra security after his Barcelona win, was visibly shaken. “I hoped it would never come to this, but sadly, reality has caught up with us. This could have ended much worse if the alarm hadn’t gone off in time,” he said emotionally. The pigeon fancier emphasized his commitment to doing everything possible to protect his beloved champions.

Pff... I hope for better news in the next article! 

Yours In Pigeon Passion, 

Jan de Wijs 
The Real Pigeon Boss