Amsterdam police reports 1,005 sexual offenses in 2025, youth violence doubles

Amsterdam police reported a significant rise in sexual offenses and youth involvement in violent crime in 2025, while other serious crimes, including murder and robbery, declined. Officials added that younger victims and suspects are increasingly affected.

Last year, sexual offenses in Amsterdam rose to 1,005, a 30 percent increase from 2024, compared with a 13 percent national rise. Authorities said the increase is partly due to the new Sexual Offenses Act, which criminalized additional unwanted acts, and partly because greater media attention has helped victims recognize incidents they've been in as crimes. The campaigns “Wij eisen de nacht op” and coverage following the death of 17-year-old Lisa in August 2025 were cited. Police said, “Victims now recognize more quickly that what happened to them is a crime.”

Murders and manslaughter in Amsterdam fell from 20 to 10 cases. The victims included seven men and three women, two of whom were minors.

Arson and bombings also fell, from 524 incidents in 2024 to 414 in 2025, though explosions remain frequent. Mayor Femke Halsema described the change as a “flattening” rather than a true decline.

Officials also highlighted youth involvement in violent crime. Chief Public Prosecutor René de Beukelaer called the situation a “sad balance,” citing the deaths of two Syrian boys, aged 16 and 18, who were shot on New Year’s Day. A 25-year-old suspect is in custody. De Beukelaer also referenced the murder of 17-year-old Rivaldo in Amsterdam Zuidoost in August.

Police Commissioner Peter Holla said knife attacks rose 10 percent to 124 incidents. He added, “What worries us is that the number of victims and suspects in the 12 to 17 age group has doubled compared with the year before. This emphasizes how vulnerable young people are to violence that can escalate quickly.” Most incidents occurred during the evening and night.

Holla said boredom, financial pressures, social media influence, and proximity to organized crime contribute to youth involvement. “They have no idea what they are saying yes to for a few hundred euros,” he said of teenagers recruited through Snapchat. Halsema said many youths face poverty, housing shortages, and a lack of acceptance.

“That does not excuse their behavior, but it explains why boys hang out on the street, get bored, and become susceptible to organized crime,” she said. De Beukelaer added, “Should we provide help or impose punishment?” noting that offenders are often victims themselves.