Joint inspections in Noord-Holland uncover stolen bike and illegal occupation
Residents in Beverwijk and Heemskerk saw unannounced inspections of 350 garage storage units last week. While no weapons or drugs were found, a stolen electric cargo bike and illegal occupation were discovered, highlighting efforts to combat crime and protect neighborhoods.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Inspections | 17 March 2026 |
| Locations | Meerestein (Beverwijk), Poelenburg and Oosterzij (Heemskerk) |
| Number of Units Inspected | ~350 |
| Findings | 1 stolen electric cargo bike, 1 case of illegal occupation |
| Agencies Involved | Municipal employees, police, housing corporations, specialist dog search team |
| Purpose | Prevent illegal activities and inform residents about undermining crime |
Municipalities in the Netherlands, such as Beverwijk and Heemskerk, play a key role in maintaining public safety and combating crime through coordinated inspections and community engagement. These efforts are part of broader strategies to address undermining crime, which can threaten local security and well-being.
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Unannounced inspections in garage storage units in Beverwijk and Heemskerk
On Tuesday, 17 March 2026, a team consisting of municipal employees, police, housing corporations, and a specialist dog search team inspected garage storage units. No illegal items or weapons were found. However, the team did discover a stolen electric cargo bike, which the police took for further investigation. They also identified a case of illegal occupation.
The inspectors only entered a storage unit if there were indications, a report had been made, or the search dog reacted. The team always tried to contact the owner or tenant first by phone so they could open the unit themselves. If this was not possible, a locksmith opened the storage unit.
In total, the team inspected approximately 350 storage units. In Beverwijk, the inspections took place in the Meerestein district. In Heemskerk, the focus was on the Poelenburg and Oosterzij districts.
Dangers of undermining
With these inspections, the municipalities and other partners aim to prevent illegal activities. They also want to inform residents about the dangers of undermining crime. Misuse of a storage unit can lead to dangerous situations, posing a risk to the owner, landlord, neighbours, and their health.
During the inspections, residents received information about undermining and had the opportunity to ask questions.
In the coming period, more joint actions of this kind will be carried out, in addition to regular inspections.
Everyone can help by reporting suspicious situations
Everyone can contribute to combating undermining crime and making the neighbourhood safer. Do you see something suspicious? Contact the police:
- 112: in case of emergencies or when there is immediate danger or a suspicious situation.
- 0900-8844: for non-emergency situations or to report incidents after the fact.
- Online reporting is possible via the website of the police(Verwijst naar een externe website).
Want to remain anonymous? This is possible via:
- Meld Misdaad Anoniem: 0800-7000.
- Team Nationale Inlichtingen: 088-6617734.