Social Hardening
These incidents are the visible tip of a broader national trend: social hardening. This is evident from the General Safety Image 2025 Unit The Hague published today. Violence is increasing, both in the (semi-)public domain and online. Geopolitical developments and their consequences, such as the war in Gaza and resistance against asylum migrants, are causing growing social unrest and more demonstrations.
Crime is becoming more digital
In addition to these social tensions, the nature of crime is also shifting: it is becoming more digital. Online platforms are not only a place for radicalization, sexual exploitation, and money laundering via cryptocurrencies, but also for recruiting young people for violent tasks and sharing violence on social media. The boundary between online and offline is blurring. Cyberattacks are becoming technically more complex, while online fraud is becoming simpler and more personal - with physical approaches to victims.
These are just two red threads from the General Safety Image 2025, which outlines the main developments in the areas of crime, public order, and safety. The image is based on analyses of police data, media reports, and scientific research. This edition also contains specials about the NATO summit 2025 in The Hague and the national program Prevention with Authority (PmG).
The infographic below shows the main red threads from the General Safety Image 2025. The complete safety image can be read via the download link below.
