Attempted arson at supermarket in Zaandam problem neighborhood

Unknown perpetrators tried to set a fire at the Vomar supermarket in the Poelenburg neighborhood in Zaandam on Wednesday night, NOS reports. A pile of garbage bags was found in front of the supermarket. One of the bags were set alight, but the fire was quickly extinguished, a police spokesperson confirmed to the broadcaster. Surveillance camera footage is being investigated. Poelenburg has been restless for a few weeks. The neighborhood made headlines last week when a group of young people threatened a Hart van Nederland news crew. The news crew was reporting on harassment and intimidation at a local shopping center. On Friday a swastika and racist messages were spray painted on the Vomar supermarket in the shopping center. On Sunday city councilor Juliette Rotpressed intimidation charges after she was harassed while giving an interview about the vandalism at the supermarket. The police are investigating. On Monday night the municipality of Zaanstad, the police and the Public Prosecutor announced extra surveillance in the neighborhood. The police will act against gatherings, there will be extra patrols and some area bans may be implemented. A total of 12 people were arrested in connection with unrest in the neighborhood so far. Most of them were released after questioning.