Many residents of Uithoorn are concerned about safety. Frequent references are made to previous incidents, including the murder of Lisa in Duivendrecht. There is also the impression that it will soon be mainly young men aged 18 to 25 who will come to the shelter. That image is incorrect, says the mayor.
“In my view, that image is not correct. When I speak to Milo Schoenmaker, the director of COA, he really says: in the vast majority of the country there is nothing wrong, it is safe. But we do have to manage it and keep a close eye on it,” says Heiliegers.
Improve sense of safety
The mayor says he is determined to strengthen the sense of safety of Uithoorn residents. “Not least because we continue to talk to each other. I feel and recognize the concerns, and we will do something about them. This means that more attention will be paid to that location when it comes to enforcement.”
According to Heiliegers, the municipality is alert to possible tensions and agreements have been made with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) about what happens if things go wrong. “The COA has signed for that, and I hold them to that.”