Fewer attacks with explosives after years of increase, focus on clients

The number of attacks involving explosives in the Netherlands decreased in the first half of this year. In total there were 581 attacks or attempted attacks with explosives, 124 fewer than in the same period last year. That is a decrease of almost 20 percent.

Fireworks were used in almost all attacks. More than 300 cases involved heavy fireworks, and in 260 incidents fireworks were combined with fuel. In some cases an explosive has been manufactured in a different way.

"It is good that the number of attacks is starting to decrease nationally, but every attack is one too many, says Mayor Schouten of Rotterdam. Yet there is reason for optimism, especially given the fact that in 2024 there was still a huge increase of 71 percent compared to 2023. Schouten speaks as chairman of the Offensive against Explosions, which was founded last year. Agencies such as the police, the Ministry of Justice and Security and the Dutch Association of Insurers work together to prevent attacks with explosives.

'We will catch young people' Figures show that the vast majority of attacks are committed by young people under the age of 25. Less than one in six suspects was older than thirty. "We often catch those young people, says Schouten. "The young people only carry out the assignments and often do not know exactly who their client is or why they are doing this.

That is why the police and the Public Prosecution Service focus on the intermediaries. "The explosions are ordered online and digitally. It is a tool in the criminal circuit, but also business and relational.

Because many of the perpetrators of these attacks are younger than 25, prevention is also focused on. "We would like it to be prevented and that no action needs to be taken afterwards. In this way, parents are supported to talk to their children about the dangers of committing attacks with explosives.

There is also intensive collaboration with youth workers and, for example, sports clubs. In April last year, the Offensive drew up an action plan, these are the first results. "We have a long way to go, the collaboration must continue, says Schouten.

'Explosives under the bed' Because it is relatively easy to obtain heavy fireworks, the Offensive wants to restrict sales at European level. It may still be produced in Europe. “If it becomes more difficult to obtain, it also becomes more difficult to deploy, says Schouten.

That is why the approach also focuses on transport and storage en route to the Netherlands. "We work intensively with Germany, where many fireworks are stored in old bunkers. The price tag is often cited as an important reason for the high number of explosions involving heavy fireworks.

"If you can get such an explosive for a few euros, it is an easy tool to use, even with youth groups that are facing each other, says Schouten. She has been concerned about youth involvement for some time. "I would also like to say to parents: look under your child's bed.