Mayor Theo Weterings of Tilburg wants to revoke the permit of coffee shop Caza in the city, after an attack took place for the tenth time in three years in early January. Weterings announced this on Wednesday evening. “The incidents surrounding the coffee shop continue to pile up.”
The trouble started about three years ago. On March 10, 2022, coffee shop Caza on Gasthuisring was shot at for the first time. This was followed by numerous other attacks involving shooting and the use of explosives. No one was injured in any of the attacks, but Weterings has now had enough.
Three young people aged 15, 16 and 19 have been arrested in recent years after attacks, but it is still unclear who exactly is behind the attacks.
“The safety of our residents is at stake and the peace in the neighborhood is seriously disturbed. We can therefore no longer allow this situation to continue,” he says.
Cameras and surveillance
Security measures were already taken after previous attacks. For example, the area around the coffee shop has been designated as a safety risk area. The police then have the option to search people preventively. Additional street lighting was also installed and there was 24-hour security at the door.
Young perpetrators were captured on camera images several times. In the message, Weterings addresses the young people: “This violence has devastating consequences, not only for the neighborhood but also for your own future.”
Weterings believes that young people are ‘losing their chances for a good future’: “Stop this and report to the police before it is too late. I remain committed to protecting the neighborhood. And I wish the young people a better future.”