After an evaluation of the past period, the police, Public Prosecution Service (OM), and the mayor jointly conclude that the measures have had an effect, but that an extension is necessary to further solidify this. The number of firearm incidents has decreased significantly, and the number of knives found during preventive searches is also decreasing.
Preventive Searches Until After Summer
By extending the designation of the safety risk area until September 12, 2025, preventive searches can be carried out until after summer at the order of the public prosecutor. In the coming time, the municipality, police, and Public Prosecution Service will assess what further measures are necessary to stabilize calm in the neighborhoods and increase the sense of safety for residents. Among other things, comprehensive checks will take place in the two neighborhoods, and a Report Crime Anonymously campaign will be set up. The police will remain visibly active in the neighborhoods at randomly chosen times.
Some Facts and Figures
Since the introduction of the safety risk area, the police have conducted 24 control days, during which over a thousand people were checked. During these operations, 81 criminal goods, such as weapons and drugs, were seized, and several offenses were recorded.
Together with the police, the Public Prosecution Service has conducted extensive investigations into fourteen violent incidents in the past period, and significant investments have been made in combating illegal possession of weapons. This has ultimately led to seventeen suspects, several of whom still have to answer to the court, and 29 homes have been searched. The police and OM have searched for weapons with several suspects and seized them. In two cases, the OM has imposed hefty fines of 750 and 1100 euros for illegal weapon possession. One suspect has been sentenced to prison for illegal weapon possession by the court. Furthermore, several drug findings have been made.
It is striking that overall the willingness to report and testify seems to be low. A positive exception was the investigation into the shooting incident on May 13, 2024, in Minister Lelystraat. In this investigation, the cooperation of citizens made the difference. This case was featured on the investigative program Opsporing Verzocht on October 15, 2024. This led to fourteen valuable tips. After the tips were investigated, the police were able to conduct searches in six homes in Vlissingen (4x) and Middelburg (2x).
“The help of our residents is needed to solve cases. They are the eyes and ears in the neighborhood, and their information can make a difference. We understand that it can be quite daunting to share information, especially when it concerns people you know. That is why it is important to know that reporting can also be done anonymously,” explains Van den Tillaar.
Report Crime Anonymously
A key joint objective in the coming time is to improve the willingness to report with the help of insiders and witnesses. They can always reach the police via 0900–8844 or via the Police WhatsApp number 06–1220 7006. Reports can also be made anonymously via Report Crime Anonymously (0800–7000). Therefore, the police, OM, and the municipality are launching a Report Crime Anonymously campaign for the Middle Area and part of the Center of Vlissingen. So if people have valuable information, they should pass it on to Report Crime Anonymously. Because the more reports the police receive, the better the chances of solving cases.
Source: Police, Public Prosecution Service, and municipality of Vlissingen.