Dutch police strengthens corps in Knokke-Heist

The young neighbors to the north like to go out in the closest Belgian coastal municipality to the Dutch border, where they are therefore not allowed to drink alcohol at the age of 18, but already at the age of 16. The party evenings usually go relatively smoothly, but during the corona pandemic, some groups also caused nuisance. They remained en masse on the street after closing time or did not respect the rules in the cafe. In 2020, there was even an uproar with the police, who had to make the most of their manpower.

Visible and approachable

On Friday evening, the atmosphere was reasonably calm on the terraces of Knokke-Heist. Steve Desmet, chief constable of the local police Damme-Knokke-Heist, said at the time that his colleagues had the main task of standing out. “Our concept for this evening is to be visibly present, so that the young people can also see that we are in the entertainment district. Visible also means that we are approachable. We are really going to walk among the young people and start a conversation,” says Desmet.

The mayor of Knokke-Heist, Piet De Groote, also wants to take a preventive approach. “It is purely as a precaution,” the politician says. “The Dutch police also know a bit about those gabbers, if I may say so, from the Dutch Gooi and Vecht region. They can also communicate better with that.”

Benelux Police Treaty

The young people who travel a long way to enjoy their holiday in Belgium are also satisfied that their national law enforcement officers are keeping an eye on them. According to them, their presence can help against tensions between Belgians and Dutch people or possible discrimination.

The Benelux Police Treaty makes it possible for an agent to intervene in each of the three countries under certain conditions. Dutch agents can easily carry out identity checks and also have access to their databases here. For the first time, a Dutch dog brigade will also conduct patrols in the seaside resort at the end of July.