6 young suspects arrested after explosions and shootings in the Zaanstreek

Police have arrested 6 suspects in an investigation into several serious violent incidents in the Zaanstreek last July, the police said on Wednesday 11 November. The incidents included explosions, arson, shootings and threats.

The suspects are between 17 and 19 years old and come from the municipalities of Oostzaan, Wormerland and Zaanstad. Their role is being investigated.

Team chief Rick Janssen said the police understand that residents have been worried. An explosion next to your home at night is frightening, whatever conflict is behind it, he said.

Not one big conflict

According to the police, there is not one big conflict in the Zaanstreek but several, with different backgrounds, such as relationships, business, drugs or other crime. The police are investigating whether some of the incidents are connected.

The investigation looks not only at who carried out the violence, but also at who may have given the orders, directed others or helped in other ways.

Young people recruited online

Police say young people are sometimes approached online with the promise of quick money. What starts as a seemingly simple job can end in serious crimes with big consequences.

The police ask parents and carers to watch for signs that a young person is being approached or put under pressure. Examples are sudden money or new purchases without a clear explanation, unexpected contact with strangers through social media or chat apps, secretive phone use, and sudden changes in behaviour or school attendance. These signs do not automatically mean that a young person is involved in crime, but they can be a reason to talk.

Young people who feel under pressure can chat anonymously with Keerpunt, a national platform for young people who face pressure around crime.