Burglars are targeting Meppel. This year, there have already been 90 burglaries in the period from January to September, but the police have not been able to arrest anyone so far. For the municipality this is a significant increase, because last year the counter was still at nine during the same period.
This makes Meppel the biggest climber in the Netherlands. “We are seeing a significant increase in the number of burglaries,” said spokesperson Anouk Harteveld of the Northern Netherlands police, according to whom this can be partly explained by corona. “Back then we were more at home, and then breaking in is much more difficult for a thief. At the moment everything is allowed again and we are at home less.”
The figures endorse this, but the increase remains substantial compared to the time before corona. “In Meppel there is indeed a considerable increase,” Harteveld continues. Police have not yet found a pattern. “It is not concentrated in a neighbourhood, we see it throughout the municipality. Of course we are conducting research into possible causes. That is currently underway. We want to ask all residents of Meppel for cooperation. Stay alert, for example during a walk with the dog and call 112 in case of a suspicious situation. Then we can intervene.”
Of the ninety burglaries, none have been solved, and no criminal has yet been caught. “Unfortunately, we have not arrested anyone yet,” the spokesperson said. In the coming period there will be more surveillance in Meppel. “That means more cars circling, we hope this is a deterrent.”
In addition, a doorbell camera is recommended. “It has a preventive effect. And if it does happen, the video images will help us in the investigation. In addition, we would like to advise people to leave a light on in the evening, even when they are not at home. And do not put a bin under an open window. “
Look below at the number of burglaries per area in Meppel