Residents of IJsselmonde are still recovering from the shock after the shooting incidents around the last New Year. Other neighborhoods have also been shaken by serious incidents, such as explosions. What is the municipalitys role in such situations?

1. What happened in IJsselmonde?

During the last New Year, three people were shot dead on the streets of IJsselmonde in two weeks. On January 3, the police arrested the suspected perpetrator. He is in custody until his case is heard.

2. What is the municipalitys role in such cases?

The municipality works with the police and other organizations to ensure residents feel safe again. A resident letter is always sent out, urging residents to report anything they have seen, even anonymously. The letter also provides information on where residents can go for psychological support. Sometimes, the municipality visits homes for a conversation with residents or organizes a community meeting.

The municipality often takes measures to make the situation safer, such as closing a building, temporarily deploying mobile cameras, or increasing police presence.

3. What has the municipality specifically done in IJsselmonde?

After sending the resident letter, the municipality organized a community meeting in the neighborhood on January 13, attended by the mayor, victim support, and the police. Approximately 250 residents attended, expressing relief that the perpetrator was caught quickly but also concern about ongoing safety issues, such as insufficient lighting in certain areas or not seeing enough police presence.

4. What are the plans now?

Following the community meeting, it was decided to hold two evening inspections in March. During such an inspection, a group of residents, along with municipal staff and possibly the alderman or mayor, visit places residents find unsafe to see what can be done about it.

5. Does this also apply to young people?

Young people are also welcome at inspections and community meetings. Additionally, a pizza session is planned for them in IJsselmonde in May with the theme Do you feel comfortable in your neighborhood? It is known that young people often experience insecurity, for example, due to groups of young people on the street they do not know. Young people often stand in groups on the street because they find it difficult to find a place to meet. The municipality wants to discuss this with them.