The increase in the number of robberies in the past four months is striking because the number of robberies had shown a strong decline in recent years: from 1120 robberies in 2017 to about 500 robberies in 2023 and 2024. We do not yet have a clear explanation for why it is increasing again, says national robbery coordinator Jos van der Stap. But what we do see is that it often involves young offenders committing unprepared hit-and-run robberies to quickly get money. They take a lot of risks, as the chance of being caught is around 60 to 70 percent. Moreover, many robberies fail and the loot is often small.

More Robberies on Jewelers

Especially retail is affected according to Van der Stap: In the past four months, for example, we have seen an increase in the number of robberies on jewelers. This year there have already been fourteen while in all of 2024 there were eleven robberies on jewelers. Sometimes the offenders are not after money but target expensive goods and rob, for example, an optician or a mobile phone store. Hospitality venues, supermarkets, and gas stations are still popular targets. While the chance of success is very low, as most businesses are well secured and have little cash in the register.

Minor Suspects

The police arrested 182 robbery suspects in the first three months of this year, including an increasing number of minors. A concerning development according to Van der Plas: Robbers often continue until they are caught, he explains. For us, it is important to track down and arrest offenders as quickly as possible, preferably after their first robbery. Because then you prevent such a young offender from becoming a serial robber.

Young robbers often have little awareness of what they do to others, thinks Van der Stap. A robbery is a shocking and traumatic experience. If you are personally threatened by someone with a knife or firearm, it has significant consequences; people may only be able to return to work after months. Therefore, it is very important for us to stop offenders quickly. Moreover, there are severe penalties. For a robbery, you quickly get 1.5 to 2 years in prison. You not only inflict great suffering on others but also ruin your own future.

Consultation with Retail

The police regularly consult with retail to take adequate measures, says Van der Stap, who recently spoke with the security managers of several large retail chains. Most stores in the Netherlands are well secured and have little cash on hand. Furthermore, it is important to have fixed procedures for opening and closing your business, as these are moments when robbers often strike. And make clear agreements with your staff on how to act in the event of a robbery. The most important thing is that no one gets hurt, so we always advise: stay calm, accept that it is happening, hand over the money or goods, and pay close attention. With a good description and camera footage, there is a good chance that we can track down the offenders.