Crime in Groningen Slightly Down, But City Remains Crime Capital of the North
Groningen sees slight crime drop, but still leads Northern Netherlands with 61.4 crimes per 1,000 residents.
The number of registered crimes in the municipality of Groningen decreased slightly last year, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). However, Groningen remains the municipality with the highest crime rate per capita in the northern Netherlands.
Crime Figures in Groningen
In 2024, 14,965 crimes were recorded in the municipality of Groningen, compared to 15,110 in 2023. This translates to approximately 61.4 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants. While this represents a slight decline, Groningen still ranks 14th nationally for crimes per capita. Amsterdam tops the list with 89.4 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Property crimes, including theft and burglaries, remain the most common offenses, though they decreased by 2.4 percent. However, cases of vandalism, violent crimes, and sexual offenses increased.
Provincial and National Trends
Across the province of Groningen, crime rates also saw a slight decrease. In 2023, there were 26,950 registered crimes in the province, compared to 26,000 in 2024. Nationally, the police registered 812,000 crimes in 2024, down from 816,000 the previous year.
While overall crime has declined, certain offenses have risen. Cases involving firearms have increased by 24 percent compared to a decade ago. Cybercrime is also on the rise, with increasing cases of online fraud linked to the growing digitalization of society.
How Groningen Compares to Other Cities
With between 60 and 75 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, Groningen’s crime rate aligns with that of cities such as Utrecht and The Hague. Nationwide, the crime rate averaged 45 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants in 2024.
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven recorded the highest crime rates, with nearly 90, 80, and 80 crimes per 1,000 residents, respectively. The Hague saw a 2 percent increase in crime, while Utrecht experienced a 3 percent decline.
Reporting Crime and Prevention
CBS notes that not all crimes are reported, particularly minor offenses. Some victims may also refrain from reporting due to fear or embarrassment.
Despite the persistent crime challenges, increased security measures, prevention efforts, and shifting social behaviors—such as people spending more time online—have contributed to the long-term decline in crime. However, continued vigilance is needed to address emerging threats such as cybercrime and firearm-related offenses.