Mayor Michel Bezuijen of Zoetermeer calls the recent violent incidents in the city “terrible”. Within a few weeks, there were two shootings involving young victims and a fireworks explosion. A house was also shot at. “We’re not going to take this and we have to put a stop to this,” he tells Broadcasting West.
The latest shooting was last week. A 17-year-old boy was then shot. Suspects aged 17 and 18 were arrested for this. There was also a shooting incident on May 15; turned into a boy shot in a playground† The Public Prosecution Service said earlier that the incidents may be the result of an argument between groups of young people.
“It is very unfortunate that it takes place in our city,” said the mayor. “It actually went well for a while. But the recent incidents have of course caused a shock.”
Shift to firearms
According to Mayor Bezuijen, things are changing when it comes to gun use among young people. “It first started with stabbing weapons, but we are already seeing it shift to firearms. That is of course very worrying,” he says.
The municipality is still looking at how the violent incidents can be prevented. “What exactly is happening on the street? There is also a lot happening online that we do not see. We also want to see how we can take measures against this and take action. All with the aim of ensuring that this stops.”
Gathering ban
The municipality already has three districts a gathering ban set and there is more camera surveillance. It is also being examined whether a restraining order can be imposed on a number of young people.
Not only the mayor is concerned. Residents are also concerned about the situation. “What is happening in the neighborhood is – very rudely – heartbreaking. Because it has been a really nice neighborhood,” says Erik Bodman, chairman of neighborhood association De Hoveniers.
He fears that the measures that the municipality is now taking will not work. “Now there is a ban on gatherings and extra surveillance cameras are being installed, but that is wasted money. Talk to those young people. If they are glanders, you can become angry, you can curse, but you can also just have a chat.”
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