Safety coach strengthens safety in Losser's rural area with police and enforcement officers

In the rural area of Losser, cooperation between the police, enforcement officers (BOA’s), and the Safety Coach is taking increasingly concrete shape. Residents are noticing more often that their reports and concerns are being taken seriously and that active consideration is being given to safety in their surroundings.

By working together and regularly engaging in dialogue with residents and entrepreneurs, those living in the rural area receive clarity, advice, and support. Small issues are identified and addressed earlier, before they escalate. Those who recently received an unexpected knock on the door need not have been alarmed. There was no fine, no inspection—just an informal conversation. Police officers, enforcement officers, and the Safety Coach visited farmers and other entrepreneurs in the rural area. The goal: to inform residents, take their concerns seriously, and explain what steps can be taken in suspicious situations. This builds trust, and residents know where to turn.

A complete picture

"It was a learning experience for everyone," says enforcement officer Daniëlle Wagenmakers. "Everyone looks at things from a different perspective. Together, a complete picture emerges, and the connection with residents is much stronger." While enforcement officers and the police primarily take enforcement action, the strength of Safety Coach Neeltje Bleumink lies in conversation. "By accompanying the Safety Coach, you see how different roles complement each other in conversations with residents," Daniëlle explains. "For residents, this means they receive clear information and their story is given attention."

Working together in the field

Enforcement officer Kasper Veldhuijzen also sees immediate results. "The rural area is large, and signals can sometimes be vague: a shed where certain activities are taking place or vehicles that don’t belong there," Kasper says. "By working together in the field, things become noticeable sooner, and we can intervene more quickly. For residents, this means suspicious situations are addressed earlier, and the area remains safer."

District agent Angelique Bosman notes that the collaboration clearly yields benefits. "We have short lines of communication: each enforcement officer is linked to a district agent. This allows us to act quickly. That gives residents confidence: reports reach the right people and are taken seriously," Angelique explains. The district agent emphasizes the importance of residents knowing who they can approach and when. "It’s often the small reports that matter. They prevent problems from escalating and ensure frustrations don’t build up."

Small signals, big impact

Fly-tipping, noise pollution, or suspicious vans: these may seem like minor issues, but they can have major consequences. "Small annoyances often feel big to those experiencing them," Angelique says. "If they pile up, things can spiral out of control. That’s why we always look deeper: what’s behind it? For residents, this means their concerns are taken seriously, and small problems are addressed before they grow." Kasper adds, "Sometimes, a chat is enough. The contact itself has a preventive effect. Residents feel heard and know someone is paying attention."

According to Neeltje, the main goal of the collaboration is to inform residents and lower the threshold for reaching out. "Many residents don’t fully understand what undermining entails. It often quickly comes down to 'strange things happening in the neighborhood.' But it also often involves organized crime that can exploit vulnerable situations. I explain what residents should look out for, how to recognize signals, and what steps can be taken. This way, residents know that even small reports can make a difference. The result is more insight, fewer worries, and a safer rural area."

Vulnerable

Neeltje also sees the vulnerability of farmers. "The rural area is constantly changing: nature, recreation, and water management place heavy demands on entrepreneurs. This can create uncertainty and make them vulnerable. I act as an independent conversation partner so entrepreneurs can remain resilient. For residents, this means there is advice on how to operate safely and protect their surroundings."

Working together pays off

The joint visits have now been conducted twice and have been received enthusiastically. Several more visits are also planned. However, residents don’t need to wait for the next round to get in touch. If there are concerns or questions about safety, they can always contact the relevant parties directly.

The collaborative project will continue with fixed consultation moments and more joint actions. "This is just the beginning," says Angelique. "The involved parties will meet even more often and work together to ensure a safer rural area. For residents, this means an environment where concerns are taken seriously, small and large problems are resolved, and the living environment remains safer."

More information

Have questions about safety? Then contact Neeltje Bleumink, Safety Coach for the province of Overijssel. She specializes in rural safety and can be reached via: