Garage Boxes and Undermining Crime
Storage locations are often used differently than intended, and landlords are not always aware of what is happening in the boxes. The use of such boxes frequently plays a role in undermining crime. The purpose of the inspection was to prevent situations that pose a danger to the environment (for example, through the storage of hazardous substances) or that storage boxes are misused for criminal purposes (for example, through the storage or trade of prohibited substances or stolen goods). Together with various partners, there is integrated cooperation to gain insight into illegal activities, combat unsafe situations, and make landlords more resilient against criminals.
Drug Discoveries
During the inspection at Westersingel, various garage boxes were opened and checked. Specially trained dogs were used to sniff for possible drugs, fireworks, or hazardous substances in the boxes. In one garage box, the police found a significant amount of hard drugs. The drugs were seized. The owner of the garage box is summoned, meaning that the person must report to the police station for questioning because they are suspected of a criminal offense.
Garage boxes were also inspected at Generatorstraat. The dog alerted on two garage boxes. Upon opening these boxes, we found several kilos of soft drugs and several kilos of tobacco. The tobacco was seized by customs, and the drugs were seized by the police.
Keep Crime Out of Your Neighborhood. Report Suspicious Situations!
Criminals rent garage boxes for their activities to stay out of sight of police and justice. Do you rent garage boxes, live nearby, or rent a garage box from a company and suspect that criminal activities are taking place? This poses risks, also for the neighborhood. Do you see, hear, or smell something suspicious? Do you feel that something is not right? Are you being threatened? Keep crime out of your neighborhood and always report it! You can do this by calling 0900-8844, or completely anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem 0800-7000. Read here for more about recognizing suspicious signals.