Two Dutch beach areas have been placed under emergency-style security measures after days of disorder, violence and public nuisance involving groups of young people, many of whom are of a migration background.
The boulevard, station area, and adjoining beach in Zandvoort were designated as a security risk area after disturbances last weekend, when beach bar owners said they no longer felt safe and some closed early.
Police have now been given additional powers in the coastal town, west of Haarlem and Amsterdam, including the authority to carry out preventive searches. The measure was introduced after consultation between the municipality, police, and the Public Prosecution Service.
Mayor David Moolenburgh said the group responsible for the disorder showed open contempt for authority.
“The group in question has no respect for authority,” he said. “I wish we could detain people longer.”
Security expert Sander Schaepman, as cited by Nieuws van de Dag, said the same problem was being seen repeatedly. “They get caught, but not prosecuted,” he said.
The same outlet reported that “especially Moroccans” were behind the nuisance in Zandvoort.
The municipality said the security risk designation was imposed after groups of young people caused disturbances and committed violence on the beach and boulevard. The measure will be reviewed daily to determine whether it should remain in place.
Zandvoort was extremely busy over the bank holiday weekend because of the warm weather. According to local officials, the crowds led to problems in several areas. Seven people were arrested for offenses including disturbing public order, assault, theft, and public drunkenness. The suspects were aged between 19 and 34.
Municipal spokesperson Walter Sans said the decision followed warnings from local businesses and authorities.
The restrictions are intended to restore order on the boulevard, the beach, and the terraces of beach pavilions, where owners had warned that the atmosphere had become threatening.
Similar powers have also been imposed at Rotterdam-Nesselande, where the beach and surrounding area have been designated a security risk zone with immediate effect by Mayor Carola Schouten, as reported by Open Rotterdam.
Remix News also reported last week on similar scenes in neighboring Belgium.
The Rotterdam measure follows several incidents during a spell of hot weather, when large groups of young people gathered at the beach and caused unrest. On Wednesday evening, two people were injured in a stabbing.
Residents had demanded tougher action after the latest violence. “Preventive searches of everyone and tough action,” one concerned local resident told the outlet.
The security risk area in Nesselande came into force on Thursday. Police can carry out preventive searches, stop vehicles for inspection, and open packaging if necessary.
The municipality said it hoped the powers would ensure an “orderly and safe course of the beach days.” The measures will remain in place for two weeks and are due to expire on June 12.
Nesselande has faced repeated problems on warm days for years. The beach was also designated as a security risk area twice last year after illegal parties were announced and authorities feared disorder.
Jan Lemmers, chairman of the Nesselande neighborhood council, said he hoped the area would not have to remain under permanent security restrictions, but accepted the need for action if it prevents further confrontations.
“But if it keeps the young people and the confrontations away from here, then perhaps it is a good alternative as far as we are concerned,” he said.
