Record number of reports about explosives at anonymous tip line

The anonymous tip line Meld Misdaad Anoniem received a record number of reports about explosive attacks, raw materials for explosives, and the storage and trade of illegal fireworks last year. There were 777 reports on this subject compared to 512 in 2023.

Tipsters submitted a total of 24,201 reports via the anonymous reporting center last year, an increase of 19 percent compared to the previous year. Half of the reports (12,307) were about drug crime. Violent crimes like public violence, domestic violence, and animal abuse followed. The number of violent crime reports increased by 25 percent to 2,558. Meld Misdaad Anoniem also received 2,087 reports about people who were wanted by the police.

The reports helped the police track down at least 3,372 suspects and seize 756 weapons last year, according to the reporting center. The reports also resulted in 87,914 cannabis plants being seized.

“Explosions have a major impact on safety in residential areas,” said a spokesperson of the reporting center. “The many incidents contribute to a feeling of insecurity. For many reporters, that is an important reason to report.”

Per 10,000 residents, the most reports were made in Limburg (19.5), followed by Groningen (18.5), and Drenthe (16.6).