Joint action against undermining crime
Tackling subversive crime requires intensive cooperation. That is why the municipality of Zoetermeer, the police, HTM, Customs, the Tax and Customs Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency jointly carried out a large-scale enforcement operation in Zoetermeer on Thursday, March 5. During the operation, checks were carried out at several locations in the city, focusing on signs of subversive crime. Traffic, business parks, and public transport were examined. Mayor Michel Bezuijen: "The joint approach to combating subversive crime does not stop after one day of checks. It is important to remain alert. That is why we are calling on residents and entrepreneurs to continue to report suspicious situations and signs of undermining activities. This will enable targeted action to be taken."
Traffic control
A large-scale traffic check took place on Van der Hagenstraat. The focus was on more expensive (rental) vehicles, delivery vans, and vehicles that had previously come to attention due to possible subversive activities. Thirty-eight tickets were issued and six people were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. Two vans were also seized for carrying pepper spray. During this traffic check, the National Tax Service looked for outstanding tax debts, including motor vehicle tax. The National Tax Service collected €44,708 and 12 cars were seized. Customs checked for goods that had been imported incorrectly or on which no tax had been paid. They also checked for hidden compartments in vehicles. The Aliens, Identification, and Human Trafficking Division of the police checked whether individuals were residing in the Netherlands legally.
Company inspections on business parks
Joint inspections were carried out by the police, municipality, and Environmental Protection Agency at several business parks in Zoetermeer. This integrated approach makes it possible to simultaneously check for permits, environmental violations, illegal occupation of commercial premises, and signs of criminal activity, among other things. They inspected six commercial premises. Illegal occupation was found in two commercial properties. One of these commercial properties was closed down urgently by order of the mayor due to fire safety concerns.
HTM control
The HTM, together with the police, carried out checks at various RandstadRail stops in Zoetermeer. Ninety-five passengers were fined for not being able to show a valid ticket.
Outstanding prison sentences
The police's Coordination and Execution Tasks Team (CET) also participated in the inspection operation on this day. This team focuses on tracking down and arresting convicted persons who still have to serve their sentences. Three people were arrested because they still had prison sentences of 40 days, 7 days, and 19 days of juvenile detention outstanding. They were transferred to a cell complex.
See something suspicious? Reporting it helps.
The municipality and police are calling on residents to continue reporting suspicious situations, signs of subversive activities, or other abuses. The Subversion page lists the signs of subversion and explains how residents can report signs and suspicions.
