After the fair in Wognum, two young people had to go to hospital for treatment this weekend. And it is not the first time that there have been such incidents during a fair weekend in the region. Is extra security at fairgrounds in West Friesland a solution to combat violence?
Two years ago, for example, the fair in Hoogkarspel had several incidents. Got into a massive brawl two officers injuredand became one 15 year old boy stabbed who, by the way, survived. That was enough for mayor Michiel Pijl. “It is cowardly, outrageous and totally unacceptable,” he said at the time.
Last year, extra municipal enforcers and security guards were therefore deployed. The fairground was also equipped with camera surveillance. It helped, because it remained relatively quiet. Just like last Ascension weekend, says fairground operator Klaas Braak. “Almost nothing has happened. We have also deployed two extra security guards ourselves. You need a lot of extra eyes.”
They will continue to do so in Hoogkarspel in the future as well. “It is actually sad and too crazy for words that this has to be done, but it does help. At least that way it remains cozy,” explains the fairground operator.
Municipality evaluates
The municipality of Medemblik does not want to anticipate whether it will also come to this at the fair in Wognum. Among other things, there was one 15-year-old boy beaten up and another victim suffered two broken jaws after being presumed hit with a chain lock.
“We regret that such a folk festival is contaminated with such incidents. We will also carefully evaluate this fair to determine what has taken place and what that means for a next edition. Only after evaluation can we say something about it,” says a spokesman.
What predominates now is complete anger. Especially on social media, but also acting mayor Dennis Straat does not have a good word for it. “After a beautiful and sun-drenched weekend with the fair and short track trotting, unfortunately senseless and unacceptable violence. I wish the victims a speedy recovery.”
Additional security
Fairground operator Klaas Braak sees that extra security helps, but also knows that it is not feasible everywhere. “The costs are therefore also rising. And for many smaller fairgrounds that is financially feasible. Then they have to stop.”
Another factor is that the incidents often take place outside the fairgrounds. And how far will you go with security? It is a question that the municipality of Medemblik will also consider.
In the meantime, the police will investigate the two assaults in Wognum that have also been or are being reported. “But we have not had any other reports. Every assault is of course one too many, but the fair did not differ from other years,” said a police spokesperson.
Catch red handed
For several years now there has been talk of a group from Hoorn Kersenboogerd that goes to village fairs and kicks rubbish there. “Names are known to the police. But they seem to get away with it, they have too little evidence. This group of boys terrorizes the parties for the young people. They are only there to make a mess,” said the mother of one of the children. the victims previously to NH.
Arrests have never been made, not even last weekend. The police spokesman explains why. “In Hoogkarspel there have been some reports of fights. But when we got there, there was no one left. We can only intervene if we catch the perpetrators red-handed.”