Security guards will be deployed this weekend in the Spoorpark in Tilburg after park visitors and kiosk staff have been threatened. The newsstand will close for now until there is a solution. Staff have been verbally abused, intimidated and even threatened in recent weeks. “We even hear stories about mothers who no longer dare to take their children from the shelter in the Spoorpark.”
Intimidation, threats, shouting and name-calling have been going on for months in the Spoorpark in Tilburg. Something happened this week that prompted the owner of the kiosk to close its doors.
“An employee kindly asked a group of park visitors if they didn’t want to smoke on the terrace, which is only intended for kiosk guests. She also asked them if they didn’t want to put their music too loud. Then she got a hard ‘no ‘ and then it got out of hand,” says the owner.
“It’s the world upside down.”
It’s just one example of what’s been going on in the park for months. “A group does not behave normally. As kiosk employees, we then push our boundaries. It’s the world upside down.”
Other park visitors also suffer from harassment. There is a daycare center in the park. “I hear that mothers no longer dare to pick up their children due to the unsafe atmosphere. The fathers are therefore going to pick up the children.”
In December, the owner also temporarily closed its doors after intimidation and threats to employees. He then took the necessary measures and he has done so again in recent weeks. The business closed earlier because employees often feel unsafe in the late hours. Picnic tables that normally stand next to the kiosk were moved.
“I feel powerless towards my staff.”
Still, that didn’t help and that frustrates him. “I feel powerless towards my staff. I notice that they are increasingly flattened about what is happening. If you are called names for the umpteenth time, you may not say anything about it.”
The conversations that the owner had with the municipality, enforcement and the police in recent months resulted in little change. “The park is accessible to everyone, even with a drink.” It is therefore difficult to intervene.
What also makes it difficult is that it is not about one clear group. “Sometimes there are 25 people and it is very pleasant. Other times there are three people who ruin things. There are recurring troublemakers, but there is no clear group.”
Security guards walking around the park this weekend must prevent problems. In any case, the decision is clear for the kiosk. “We will not open until there is a solution.” On Monday, the municipality, enforcement, the police and the park partners will talk again.
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