Leusden residents urged to spot drug crime signs with decoy van and dump site
From April 1 to 8, Leusden will use a decoy van and simulated drug dump site to help residents recognize signs of drug-related crime. Reporting suspicious activity can help authorities act faster and keep neighborhoods safer.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Action Period | April 1–8, 2026 |
| Location | Public spaces in Leusden, Utrecht province |
| Decoy Items | Drug production van, IBC container, blue barrels, jerrycans |
| Reporting Channels | 112 (emergency), 0900-8844 (non-emergency), Meld Misdaad Anoniem (0800-7000) |
| Incentive | Two €25 gift vouchers raffled among participants |
| Municipal Contact | 14 033 or www.leusden.nl |
The municipality of Leusden is responsible for local safety and crime prevention, working alongside police to address drug-related issues. This initiative aims to educate residents on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities to enhance community vigilance.
Read the full translated article below
Drug-related crime: do you recognize the signs?
Look out for the decoy van and simulated drug dumping in Leusden.
From April 1 to 8, the municipality of Leusden will place a drug decoy van and a simulated drug dumping site in public spaces. With this action, the municipality aims to show residents how situations that may indicate drug-related crime can look and emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious signs. The initiative is designed to raise awareness among residents about signs that may point to drug production or the dumping of drug waste. By making these situations visible, the municipality wants to demonstrate that suspicious circumstances can sometimes be closer than one might think. Residents are the eyes and ears of the police and municipality. Reports help enable faster action: it’s better to report too much than too little.
What you will encounter during the action
The drug decoy van is set up with materials that are typically used in drug production. The simulated dumping consists of, among other things, an IBC container, blue barrels, and jerrycans. Both objects are equipped with a QR code that residents can scan. Participants can leave their details via the accompanying online form. Two €25 gift vouchers will be raffled among them. The winners will be personally notified.
Why this action is necessary
Police research shows that drug criminals frequently use large vans and small trucks to transport drug waste. Drug dumping also occurs in both residential areas and rural locations. By showing residents what such situations can look like, the municipality aims to contribute to a more alert society where suspicious circumstances are recognized and reported more quickly.
Always report if you notice something suspicious
Residents who observe an actual suspicious situation are asked to report it via 112 in case of emergency, via 0900-8844 for non-emergencies, or anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000 or meldmisdaadanoniem.nl. Reports can also be made to the municipality in non-emergency cases via 14 033 or www.leusden.nl.