The Dutch police have never received so many reports of nuisance caused by confused people. In 2022 there were 138,000, in 2014 the number of registrations was still 60,000, according to an analysis of police figures by the ANP. Contrary to the national trend, the number of reports in Drenthe fell last year (4026) compared to 2021 (4061).
In almost half of the Dutch municipalities, a record number of complaints were received last year. The exact cause of the increase has yet to be investigated, but according to a spokesperson, troubled times, shortages in mental health care and loneliness are possible factors. In addition, the police note that financial problems are often the root cause of confused behaviour.
In Drenthe, the number of reports of nuisance caused by confused people fell by 35 in 2022. In the municipalities of Tynaarlo (35 percent) and Coevorden (49 percent), in particular, there was a lot less nuisance compared to 2021. In the municipalities of De Wolden and Noordenveld the largest increase was seen in Drenthe, by 44 and 36 percent respectively.
In the municipality of Emmen, the police received the most complaints with 1,249 reports, which was 49 fewer than a year earlier.