Police raid Doetinchem gang; 11 young people arrested

The police in Doetinchem arrested 11 people between the ages of 16 and 25 years on suspicion of a large number of criminal activities ranging from violent robberies to online fraud. The arrests formed part of a large-scale raid involving some 70 police officers, the police said in a statement on Tuesday.

The detainees are suspected of, among other things, violent robberies, assault and attempts thereto, public violence, extortion, fraud, possession of stolen items, and threatening victims and witnesses.

18 other young people, who the police believe form part of this criminal group, received an "urgent invitation" to follow a counseling course. This invitation was signed by the Doetinchem mayor and chief of police. A number of the young people were also temporarily banned from entering certain areas in Doetinchem, such as the city center. Violations will result in fines.

This group of young people has been causing serious problems in and around Doetinchem for some time. They are also suspected of being involved in criminal activities elsewhere in the region, according to the police.