Last week, six people died and several were injured in explosions in The Hague. Recently, a house fire in Purmerend was caused by an explosion, damaging nearby homes.
By mid-year, nearly 500 explosive incidents had occurred, with predictions exceeding 1,000 by the year’s end, according to police. Since 2017, the number of explosions has increased, shifting from grenades to other explosives, notes criminologist Katharina Krüsselmann.
She highlights a decrease in shootings, observing these explosions as new intimidation methods, often unrelated to criminal activities. Jos van der Stap of the police mentioned a trend of resolving disputes with explosions, with over half having no criminal ties.
Krüsselmann points out the use of heavy fireworks, like cobras from Italy, as being more accessible than firearms in the Netherlands. Van der Stap and Krüsselmann advocate for stricter control of explosive materials.
Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague suggested including heavy fireworks in weapon laws. Krüsselmann argues that harsher penalties won’t deter young offenders since they act as intermediaries, but a European-level crackdown on heavy fireworks could help.
A nationwide strategy is needed as the issue predominantly affects the Netherlands. In June, Krüsselmann participated in discussions with various stakeholders, leading to the formation of the Strategic Offensive Against Explosions, chaired by Rotterdam’s Mayor Carola Schouten.
This initiative began this month and will reconvene in January to further address the explosion issue.
Source: NOS