Amsterdam changes approach against Top 600 repeat offenders

Amsterdam is changing its strategy when it comes to combating crimes committed by younger people. Certain parts of their former plan, named Top600, are being altered, and the name will be replaced. The new way of working is set to be implemented in 2026, the city’s mayor, Femke Halsema, wrote in a letter to the municipal council.

The Top600 approach aims to identify criminals, especially young people, in the city so that they can get back on the right track with guidance and are less likely to relapse into criminal behavior.

The new method will include a different way of organizing the way of entering and leaving the Top600. For example, it will be examined more often whether "the approach for the people who have entered still has added value and is proportionate.” The idea is that people will not be in the process longer than necessary.

Another of the new targets for the approach, preventing younger brothers and sisters from “slipping” into crime, will also be let go. "It has now become apparent that this can lead to incorrect perception and stigmatization. For example, because the impression is created that other family members will automatically also be included in the Top600.”

The approach is being altered in line with the investigative report by the Research and Data Centre (WODC) from November 2023. The report stated that the current approach is not preventing the target group from committing more offenses. A comparable group that does not belong to the top reoffends slightly less, the report stated.

The WODC said that it could be the case that their “heavy and complex issues” make the group difficult to help. The investigators also reported that it seemed like the approach was not being carried out according to the plan.

This year is a bridge year in which the new way of working will be developed further.