Journalist | Editor | Chairperson | Germany expert / correspondent | in Hilversum & Berlin
RTV Utrecht: Wijk bij Duurstede
Wijk bij Duurstede is taking additional measures following several incidents related to the asylum shelter in the town. For example, additional police officers and special enforcement officers will be deployed to monitor the situation. A screening has also been conducted to identify potential troublemakers. Fourteen asylum seekers have since left the shelter.
Live on TV (RTV Utrecht) and article by Ulrike Nagel.
On Monday, the municipality received several reports of problems at the shelter. At least one group of five people caused significant disturbances. These included shoplifting and a break-in at a trailer. In addition, someone emptied a resident’s bicycle panniers, a girl was harassed, and a number of men behaved in an intimidating manner toward local residents. “This is, of course, unacceptable,” said Councilman Wil Kosterman. “We do not want to expose our residents to this.” Following the incidents, three asylum seekers were arrested.
Ulrike Nagel reports live on disturbances at the asylum seeker shelter in Wijk bij Duurstede
To prevent further disturbances, the municipality conducted a screening of all asylum seekers at the shelter. Four people were identified as potential troublemakers, and seven were classified as “safe-country nationals.” These are asylum seekers from countries deemed safe by the Dutch government. Together with the three who were detained yesterday, they have been transferred to the COA. They will not be returning to the sports hall in Wijk bij Duurstede.
Tightening Security Measures
In addition to the screening, Wijk bij Duurstede has also taken other measures to ensure safety around the shelter. For example, starting today, additional special enforcement officers (BOAs) will be patrolling the city, working in collaboration with the police and available to answer residents’ questions. Four additional police officers will also be stationed in Wijk bij Duurstede, deployed both during the day and at night. In addition, ten security guards will be present 24 hours a day in and around the sports hall. It has also been agreed that people from safe countries will not be admitted to Wijk bij Duurstede.
The alderwoman reports that no further incidents have been reported since Monday evening. “But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening,” she says.
