The police announced on Friday that women in the park, in addition to being spit on, have also had to deal with shootings with so-called gel blasters. These are water guns that shoot small balls of water that explode on impact. It can be dangerous if these balls get into the face or eyes.
Measures were also taken in the park last year, after it became known that women running in several parks in the city suffered from assaults. “That helped,” Ulichki said. “But we see that it is a seasonal thing, with the nice weather we see it flaring up again.”
Also fat bike ban in Westerpark?
That is why there will be even more enforcement in the park after last week’s signals. For example, there is extra surveillance by officers, more street coaches are being deployed and agreements have been made with the doormen of the guardhouses. “This increases the chance of being caught,” said the district chairman.
Ulichki also announced that preventive measures will also be taken. For example, meetings are held with youth work and schools about violence on the street and against women. In addition, district manager Ester Fabriek (Traffic) indicated that if the pilot of the fat bike ban in the Vondelpark is successful, the district council will also see the Westerpark as an option to introduce the ban. Since May 11, it has been prohibited to ride a fat bike in the Vondelpark.
The West district will soon discuss additional measures in the park.
