News item | 01-11-2022 | 14:59
Two studies by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) have shown that little or no work and low income contribute to crime. Focusing on work is therefore of great importance in tackling organized and subversive crime.
SZW investigated the relationship between livelihood security, labor participation and crime in vulnerable neighbourhoods. In addition, a second study zoomed in on the role of work in the local approach. The studies show that efforts to prevent and prevent crime must play a role in addition to punishment and tackling. It goes hand-in-hand. After all, problems are interconnected in vulnerable areas and require different approaches. It appears that without livelihood security and work, in combination with other problems, people are more likely to engage in crime.
In addition, good cooperation at the local level is necessary to successfully combat crime. Trust is of great importance here. A person-oriented approach from the municipality’s professional and more intensive contact with local employers for local workplaces helps in this regard.
Cabinet-wide approach to organized and subversive crime
This cabinet has made money available for municipalities with neighborhoods where there is a high risk of young people being recruited by (drug) criminals. An intensive, person-oriented approach is central to this, partly in view of the intimidating pressure of criminals and also the temptations of the wrong money that is earned from drug trafficking in neighbourhoods.
The investigations of Social Affairs and Employment were conducted from the preventive approach of subversion and in conjunction with the approach to organized and subversive crime. This government-wide approach looks at and works to reduce criminal behavior from different angles. These two studies focused on the relationship between work and crime also show that efforts from the entire government, employers and education are required. The government therefore announced earlier this year that it would invest in 20 vulnerable areas in the Netherlands through the National Liveability and Safety Programme, in order to jointly improve the future prospects of residents. SZW will discuss the insights gained from the studies with these municipalities in order to jointly strengthen the local approach.