There are no indications that it is necessary to extend the “far-reaching package of measures” against the explosion wave in Alkmaar, says Mayor Anja Schouten. The five safety risk areas will therefore be lifted from tomorrow. However, there will remain camera surveillance and extra police surveillance in the affected neighborhoods for the time being.
According to both the Public Prosecution Service and the police, preventive frisking would no longer be necessary thanks to the reduced risk. The closures of the three homes on Ruusbroechof, Olieslagerstraat and Lekstraat will therefore not be extended. They will reopen in the next two weeks, so residents can return.
It tightened supervision in recent weeks seems to have had a positive effect, the mayor explains. “The measures have worked well. There have been no new incidents. We have foiled several explosions and ten suspects have been arrested,” says Mayor Schouten.
Not child’s play
The police and the Public Prosecution Service report that six people between the ages of 17 and 24 are still in pre-trial detention. None of the suspects are from Alkmaar, but from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. “This is not child’s play or a naughty prank, there is an organization behind this.”
The cameras will remain around for the coming months. It will be assessed around April or May whether this should be extended. “If things get exciting again, we can certainly scale up again. But I hope this is not necessary,” Schouten responds.
Residents have been informed by letter. Those directly involved will personally inform the municipality. A number of residents’ evenings are also organised.