During preventive searches in Amsterdam Center and Southeast, the police found dozens of weapons. In the Center, there was even a loaded firearm. The actions aim to reduce weapon possession and increase residents sense of security.
Mayor Femke Halsema informed the city council about this in a council letter.
Searches after increase in gun violence
The safety risk areas were established last summer following an increase in gun violence in the city.
In Southeast, 7 serious incidents occurred in a short period, including in Holendrecht, the H and K neighborhoods, and around Johan Cruijff Boulevard. One of these incidents involved the death of a minor boy.
In the Center, the number of weapon incidents increased by approximately 30 percent compared to last year. Residents and entrepreneurs expressed their concerns about safety and sent letters to the city administration.
Results in Southeast
Between August 15 and September 12, the police checked 1,065 people and 269 vehicles in Southeast. Among the items found were:
- 18 knives
- 1 brass knuckle
- 1 can of pepper spray
- The police also found drugs and fireworks
The involved individuals received fines based on the knife ban. Minors with prohibited weapons were reported to Youth & Safety for further guidance. In 2 cases, checks took place outside the designated area or outside the permitted time. These incidents were reported to the local triangle (mayor, police, and justice).
Mayor Halsema states that most residents respond positively to the actions. “People appreciate that the government takes visible action against gun violence,” she writes on behalf of Chief Prosecutor René de Beukelaer and Police Chief Peter Holla to the city council.
Results in the Center
In the Center, the police conducted 6 control actions between September 12 and October 24 in the area around the Burgwallen Oudezijde and later also the Nieuwezijde. Nearly 4,000 people were searched and 138 vehicles checked. The police seized the following:
- 1 loaded firearm
- 4 cans of pepper spray
- 27 stabbing weapons (such as knives and scissors)
Additionally, the police arrested 9 people, including for:
- Possession of hard drugs with intent to trade
- Money laundering, due to large sums of cash
A survey by the district among a network of residents and entrepreneurs shows that 74 percent of respondents support extending the measure. Only 2 percent are against it.
Random checks
The police conduct checks randomly to prevent discrimination and ethnic profiling. Elderly people, families, and young children are not searched. This is to prevent selection based on appearance, origin, or religion. The search actions only take place in public spaces.
High police deployment needed
The actions require significant police deployment. As a result, there may temporarily be less supervision in other neighborhoods. The police try to limit this by scheduling checks mainly when extra officers are already available.
The search actions in the Center will continue until January 2, 2026. After that, the results will be shared again with the city council.
