These youths appear to mainly come from Kruiningen/Yerseke, Kapelle-Biezelinge, Goes, Arnemuiden, and Middelburg. They usually leave the train at local stations, with the assumption that they boarded in Bergen op Zoom.
Troublemakers
The disturbances consist of fights among themselves at stations and on trains, harassing young women, vandalism of train furniture, and causing nuisance by shouting and banging on train walls. All this creates an unsafe and tense atmosphere, especially during the last night rides on Friday and Saturday nights. The staff of the Dutch Railways (NS), including conductors, have serious concerns about the safety of train passengers and their own personnel.
Extra supervision
Police and NS find the current situation unacceptable and are jointly taking action against the disturbances. In addition, NS and the police are in talks with various municipalities to investigate how social safety on trains and around stations can be structurally improved.
Due to the insecurity and criminal offenses committed, the police have maintained extra supervision since mid-December. This included stopping the train and traveling with a police dog to provide direct supervision. The youths and their immediate environment are also being addressed to stop this violence.
Remarkably quiet
On the weekend of January 9, 10, and 11, the train journey between Roosendaal and Vlissingen was unexpectedly quiet. At Roosendaal station, one person was refused entry and one payment deferral was given.
Police and NS will continue joint supervision during the last night rides on Friday and Saturday nights in the coming weekends, aiming to ensure the safety of train passengers.