Heerlen remains Netherlands' top hotspot for criminal infiltration despite local efforts
Heerlen has again been ranked as the Dutch municipality most vulnerable to organized crime infiltration, raising concerns about safety and livability. Despite local initiatives, reduced police capacity and national policies threaten progress in combating criminal networks affecting residents' daily lives.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Heerlen (Limburg) |
| Ranking | #1 most vulnerable to infiltrative crime (RTL Nieuws Underworld Map) |
| Previous Ranking | #1 (four years ago) |
| Key Indicators | Drug crime, money laundering, suspicious transactions, high-risk sectors |
| Police Capacity Reduction | Nearly 30 full-time equivalents since 2023 |
| Local Initiatives | Social Safety programs, family coaches, intervention teams |
| New Legislation | Parkstad Law (housing permits for designated neighborhoods since 2026) |
| Permit Checks | Employment, income, and security risks for new tenants |
The municipality of Heerlen is responsible for local safety policies and implementing measures to combat criminal infiltration. It collaborates with regional and national agencies but relies on police and judicial support to effectively address organized crime threats.
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Read the full translated article below
Heerlen tops RTL Nieuws' Underworld Map again
According to the latest Underworld Map by RTL Nieuws, Heerlen is once again ranked number 1 among municipalities most vulnerable to infiltrative crime. The Underworld Map has been published. Thus, Heerlen scores the worst among all municipalities in the Netherlands, just like it did four years ago.
Mayor Roel Wever: “This result shows how persistent the problem of infiltration is. But if Heerlen is left with too few police officers, the problem will only get bigger.”
For the organized underworld, Heerlen remains an attractive place to carry out criminal activities. RTL Nieuws' Underworld Map illustrates how vulnerable municipalities are to infiltrative crime. Key indicators include drug crime, money laundering, suspicious transactions, high-risk business sectors, and socio-economic conditions. Infiltration occurs when criminals exploit legal structures, such as businesses, homes, or financial systems, to conceal illegal activities. This can have serious consequences for the safety, livability, and economic development of a city.
Mayor Wever: “For Heerlen, this result is a clear and concerning signal that sustained effort is needed.” In recent years, Heerlen has heavily invested in combating infiltration and strengthening vulnerable neighborhoods. Programs like Social Safety and Prevention with Authority are being used, supplemented by family coaches and a specialized intervention team. This approach aims to durably improve livability and intervene in infiltration and nuisance. It also supports families and prevents young people from ending up in criminal networks. The recently introduced Parkstad Law helps in combating infiltration. Since January 1, 2026, this law requires new tenants in several designated neighborhoods to apply for a housing permit. We check for employment, income, and security risks. This way, the municipality can steer towards a more balanced influx of residents.
How many signals does The Hague need?
Since 2023, police capacity in Heerlen has decreased by nearly 30 full-time equivalents. The pressure on local safety continues to rise. Without sufficient and structural commitment from the police and judiciary, this battle is virtually impossible to win, according to Mayor Wever: “How many of these signals and investigations does The Hague still need? On all fronts, we are investing upfront in improving living conditions. We do this by combating poverty, reducing educational disadvantages, improving existing homes, and limiting the influx of vulnerable households from outside the region. This way, we reduce the breeding ground for infiltration. But The Hague undermines these joint efforts by sticking to unworkable calculation models on which police capacity is based.”