Utrecht to close Hoog Catharijne walkway overnight to curb rising night crime

The city of Utrecht will soon close the 24-hour pedestrian route through the Hoog Catharijne shopping center overnight due to persistent disturbances, the municipality announced. The decision ends continuous access through the shopping mall between the city center and Utrecht Central Station during the late-night hours, RTV Utrecht reports.

Currently, the route is open around the clock to allow pedestrians quick access from the city center to the train station at all times. However, increasing incidents have led the city to impose a nightly closure from midnight to 6 a.m.

The municipality cited frequent alcohol and drug use inside the shopping center, along with repeated thefts and numerous fights among troublemakers as the main reasons for the closure.

City officials estimate the disturbances stem from a fluctuating group of 30 to 50 individuals. This group reportedly includes local residents as well as people from Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

The overnight closure is intended to regain control over the situation. Officials acknowledge the risk that the disruptive behavior may simply shift to other locations within Utrecht. “We will closely monitor the situation and take action if signs appear that these individuals are causing trouble elsewhere in the city,” the municipality stated.

The exact start date of the nighttime closure remains uncertain. The city must first apply for a permit to deviate from the current zoning plan.