Living in Amsterdam can often feel like living in a small town. We can forget that we live in a major city with all the benefits it offers and, unfortunately, the darker side too. The most important tool we have in fighting crime in our community is to be vigilant. These are three ways that you can increase vigilance in your neighbourhood.
Politie.nl
The national police website will show you information specific to your neighbourhood. Put your postcode into the form at the top of the site to get localised information. The website will show you recent crimes or attempted crimes in your area. You can find the contact details of your local policeman on the website too.
Burgernet
Burgernet is a national community initiative supported by local government and police. They help mobilise people after a crime to provide awareness, help and information. You can sign up as a member on their site for free and there are also smartphone apps for your convenience. When there is an action you will receive a message from Burgernet with details of how you can help.
They will only contact you about actions specific to your neighbourhood. They protect your privacy at all times.
Amber Alert Nederland
The Dutch AMBER Alert is the nationwide alert system for urgent cases of missing children and child abductions. With over 2 million participants and participating organisations, it is the most successful citizen participation initiative in the Netherlands.
You can receive alerts by e-mail or via their app system on your smartphone. The app also has a function for you to record your child’s details as often, in the immediate trauma of a missing child, parents cannot remember essential details.
An AMBER Alert is issued when a child is abducted or missing and there are fears that the child’s life or health is in danger. This means that this system is only used in urgent missing children cases.
photo credit: flickr via photopin cc
Emmy Coffey McCarthy
Emmy McCarthy was the Director of Stichting Amsterdam Mamas. She is a Mama, Entrepreneur and Connector on a never-ending quest for balance in her life.
