Residents of Assen who have a prohibited stabbing, striking or thrusting weapon can hand them in with impunity on Friday 13 and 20 December. The wearer also remains anonymous. The municipality of Assen hopes to make the city safer with this action.
“Many young people do not think enough about the consequences of their behavior. They think that it is cool to carry a weapon. Or that they need a weapon to defend themselves if they are attacked,” says Mayor Marco Out. “But weapons offer a false sense of security. For example, with a weapon in your pocket you are less likely to avoid an argument. Weapons have no place in our society. Through the hand-in campaign we are also making our city a bit safer.”
The municipality of Assen has noticed that gun ownership has increased in recent years, especially among youth and young adults. After several incidents, a knife ban has been imposed in the city center of Assen and the city center has already been designated as a safety risk area.
A year ago, Assen residents were also encouraged to hand in weapons. Then three knives, a sword and a multi-tool were handed in at the police station on Weiersstraat.
Carrying a weapon is a punishable offense. But during this return campaign, weapons can be delivered without the bearer being punished. This can be done on Friday, December 13 and 20 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM at the police station on Weiersstraat. In addition, it is possible to hand in weapons on December 13 between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM at the local bus on the Rondgang in Kloosterveen. A week later, on December 20, this can be done between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM on the local bus at the ‘t Markehuus community center in Peelo. In addition to handing in a stabbing, hitting or punching weapon, young people can, if they wish, talk to a youth worker about the motivations behind handing in the weapon.
Different rules apply to handing in firearms, ammunition, explosives or fake firearms. An appointment must be made to return this.