Stay alert for criminals as days get shorter: Police

Police have warned people to stay extra alert as the Netherlands moves into winter, and the daylight becomes shorter. Local officers will increase patrols, keep an eye out for notorious burglars, and be on heightened alert for criminal activity from October to March, the police department said in a press release.

"Only if everyone stays extra alert during the dark days can we really make a stand against burglaries, robberies and street robberies,” says High Impact Crimes officer Frans Heeres. "Also our partners, such as the municipalities and the public prosecutor, are going the extra mile.”

"Additionally we also desperately need the eyes and ears of all our area residents to report suspicious activity to us."

Police have asked people to call 112 if they see something suspicious in the neighbourhood, or to pass on the license plate of a suspect vehicle.