Blown up trash cans and mailboxes, smashed store windows and damaged cars. Groups of young people caused a lot of nuisance in Lage Zwaluwe last year. The municipality of Drimmelen therefore imposed a ban on gatherings in October. That ban will be lifted on Monday morning. But the municipality continues to take measures.
“We see no reason to extend the ban on gatherings in Lage Zwaluwe,” says a spokesperson for the municipality of Drimmelen. The strict measure was introduced twice in the village last year. As far as we know, peace has now returned to Lage Zwaluwe, but this was preceded by a series of misery.
Destruction and intimidation
“I don’t dare let my child play here alone,” a concerned mother told Omroep Brabant in February. Young people destroyed things and intimidated people near the primary school, childcare center and library in Lage Zwaluwe. It caused fear among local residents.
Because there was less supervision around the school during the carnival holidays, Mayor Boy Scholtze introduced a ban on gatherings for three or more young people aged twelve to twenty. “Sad that this is necessary,” a local resident told Omroep Brabant. “I doubt it will help.”
Desired effect
It gathering ban around the primary school had the desired effect during the carnival holidays. According to the municipality of Drimmelen, further escalations have been prevented. Residents and neighbors dared to walk the streets safely again.
But in October it happened again. Due to persistent destruction in the village, Mayor Scholtze felt forced to once again impose a ban on gatherings. The nuisance moved to streets where it had already happened more often during the carnival holidays.
Schooling together by three or more people aged fourteen to 26 was not permitted for three months. The measure was intended to ensure less nuisance during the autumn and Christmas holidays and after New Year’s Eve.
Visible and invisible measures
The municipality is not aware of any incidents during the autumn and Christmas holidays or after New Year’s Eve. The ban on gatherings will end on Monday morning.
However, the municipality of Drimmelen continues to take ‘visible and invisible measures’, says the municipal spokesperson. For example, youth workers from Surplus Welfare and extra surveillance are deployed as a preventive measure.
Fines can also be issued to those who cause nuisance. Furthermore, young people who cause nuisance are continuously identified and it is checked where help is needed, according to the municipality of Drimmelen. “After all, we have a social problem to solve.”