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A record number of homes have been ordered closed in multiple cities in the Netherlands following explosions or shootings likely tied to criminal activity, according to reports.
Mayors in Amsterdam and Rotterdam have shuttered dozens of domiciles and businesses so far this year.
In total, 16 buildings have been shut down in Amsterdam and another 28 in Rotterdam since the beginning of the year, up from last year’s totals of 12 and 22, respectively.
“A wave of explosions and gunshots targeting homes and businesses have been plaguing the two largest cities of the Netherlands. The authorities believe most of the attacks are related to conflicts in the criminal environment. There were 83 explosions in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region in the first half of this year and 89 in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region. In the whole of the Netherlands, the counter stood at 303 on July 4, compared to 325 over the entire 2022,” NL Times reports, citing De Telegraaf.
Mayors in the Netherlands are authorized to order buildings be closed to “protect public safety and order in a neighborhood” if advised to do so by law enforcement or the Public Prosecution Service.
Under these circumstances, residents can be forced to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
“Mayors have no choice but to close buildings because it poses a direct danger to the environment, and the maintenance of public order and safety takes precedence,” law professor John Schilder told De Telegraaf.
“It sometimes happens that a criminal’s house got shot at, but the bullets went through the neighbors’ window. Then something has to be done to protect the neighbor. A vacant building is often no longer a target.”
Buildings are typically ordered closed for up to three months, at which point authorities decide whether to extend the closure or allow them to be reopened.
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