Anonymous illegal fireworks reports in the Netherlands surge 57% in first half of year

Anonymous reports about illegal fireworks storage and trafficking in the Netherlands surged 57 percent in the first half of this year, as concerns grow over explosions and neighborhood safety. Meld Misdaad Anoniem, the Dutch anonymous crime tip line, received 928 reports last year, up from 589 the year before.

The increase comes as police continue to uncover large illegal fireworks stockpiles, NOS reports. In Eindhoven, police arrested a 29-year-old man after finding a large quantity of professional-grade fireworks in a basement storage unit. The man did not have the required permit. Three streets were closed as a precaution because police said the potential damage if the fireworks had exploded "would have been unimaginable."

Tipsters have said they are worried about explosions and safety in their neighborhoods. Reports about illegal fireworks storage and trade usually peak toward the end of the year ahead of New Year's Eve, but early reports have also increased.

"People are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks," Marc Janssen, a spokesperson for Meld Misdaad Anoniem, told NOS.

Janssen said reports about criminals using cobra fireworks to blow up victims' homes as a form of intimidation may also help explain the rise in anonymous tips.