For three years people in Alkmaar have been assaulted by a person on a bicycle. It seemed quiet for a while, but now it appears that twelve women have been victims again since the beginning of this year. The last woman fell victim this month. The police report this to NH.
The total number of reports is now approaching sixty: for three years now, women have been touched or grabbed by their buttocks on a regular basis. Almost all cases involve a perpetrator who strikes from a bicycle.
The victims are of all ages and one girl was even fourteen when it happened to her. In addition, one man also reported being assaulted almost the same way every time.
On a bicycle, the perpetrator follows the victim – often jogging or walking – and grabs her by the buttocks. “He moaned very strangely,” said one victim earlier. “As soon as I could respond, he had already cycled away. I really panicked and called my friend again upset.”
Different places
The first report was in September 2020. In the following years it has been quiet for periods, but victims still appear on the research team’s radar every now and then. So again this year.
From the beginning of January to August 22, twelve assaults were reported to the police, according to inquiries. “In all cases we have investigated, such as traces, checking camera images and neighborhood investigations,” said police spokesman Derk Burger.
Reports of buttock assault in Alkmaar in 2023
On August 10 around 10.30 pm at the Kennemersingel
On June 14 around 6.45 pm at the Sluispolderpad
On June 10 around 2.10 pm at the Kanaaldijk
On May 23 around 10.30 pm at Laan van Bath
On May 17 around 11.30 pm at the Clarissenbuurt
On April 20 around 2.20 pm at the Beethovensingel
On April 11 around 10.50 pm at the Klompenmakerspad
On April 11 around 10.35 pm at the Helderseweg
On March 31 around 4.15 pm at the Postiljonstraat
On March 31 around 3 p.m. at the Sluispolderpad
On March 20 around 8.55 pm at the Oude Kanaaldijk
On February 10 around 6 p.m. at the Molentochtpad
It happened at various locations in Alkmaar. And no one has been arrested yet. There is also no suspect for the dozens of previous assaults. However, there is rather a minor boy convicted of 4 counts.
The police suspect that there are several perpetrators. Research leader Jaap Grippeling said this earlier in conversation with NH. “They are pinched and beaten and the descriptions differ.”
What may play a role in the fact that no one has been arrested recently is that the reports are often made to the police ‘some time’ after the assaults, says spokesman Burger. “If something similar happens to you and you want to report this to us: the chance of catching the perpetrator is increased if the moment of reporting takes place shortly after the incident.”
If you have been groped, call 112 immediately. If you have tips about this case, send an email to [email protected].