News item | 01-09-2025 | 10:00 AM
From Monday 1 Sept, the second phase of the public campaign ‘Strange or suspicious?’ Starts. The campaign calls on people to be alert to signals of organized, undermining crime – crime that often takes place unnoticed, but has major consequences for our safety and society. Many people recognize strange situations, but do not always make the link with crime. The campaign helps citizens to think: Is this strange, or is it suspicious? And more important: what can you do yourself to keep your neighborhood safe?
Research shows that the awareness about undermining crime is still low. Moreover, people are often reluctant to take action or report unless the situation immediately touches their own safety. This hesitation makes it difficult to effectively combat crime.
Results first phase
The first phase of the campaign had a noticeable effect. During that period, Meld Misdaad Anonymous 526 received reports of possible undermining activities – a significant increase compared to 120 reports in the same period a year earlier. The total number of reports increased by 29%. It also appears that after seeing the campaign, people are more likely to recognize and dare to report situations or take action in another way.
To further increase this consciousness, TV commercials and online videos can be seen again from September. In the second phase of the campaign there is extra attention for young people who are recruited by criminals for criminal jobs. The campaign points people to recognizable signals and gives action perspectives: what can you do if you see something that is not right? For more information, examples of signals and how you can take action yourself www.houdmisdaaduitjebuurt.nl