Municipality Implements Plan to Tackle Drug Crime and Nightlife Issues in City Centre
Comprehensive measures target drug crime, nightlife safety, and urban revitalisation to create a secure city centre.
The municipality of Groningen has released an extensive plan to address rising safety concerns in the city centre, particularly in the "yellow carpet" area between the Central Station and the Vismarkt, and the nightlife district. The measures aim to curb drug trafficking, enhance public safety, and create a more secure environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Arrests Highlight Growing Concerns
On December 9 and 10, police arrested seven individuals involved in drug dealing within the yellow carpet area, including one minor. These arrests are part of the municipality’s broader strategy to combat drug crime, which has been on the rise in recent years. Police actions also led to the questioning of 17 drug buyers, underscoring the scale of the issue. Authorities seized significant quantities of drugs and cash during the operation.
Immediate Measures for the Yellow Carpet
The municipality has rolled out several short-term measures to address safety concerns in the yellow carpet area, including:
Deploying two municipal law enforcement officers (BOAs) until 10 p.m. daily.
Establishing a neighbourhood hub for police officers, street coaches, and BOAs.
Installing additional CCTV surveillance to deter criminal activity and enhance monitoring.
Exploring improved lighting and street conditions to make the area more inviting and secure.
Long-Term Goals for the Yellow Carpet
Looking ahead, the municipality plans to transform the Nieuwstad prostitution street into a car-free zone and reduce the size of the red-light district. The area will be repurposed for mixed-use developments, including housing and shops, supported by a subsidy program to convert existing properties. By acquiring strategic real estate, the municipality aims to exert greater control over the area and its future use.
Enhancing Safety in the Nightlife District
In parallel, Groningen is addressing issues in the nightlife district, where reports of violence, sexual misconduct, and drug abuse have escalated, particularly late at night. The municipality’s initiatives include:
Collaborating with hospitality businesses to implement strict door policies, improve staff training, and reduce drug and alcohol abuse.
Introducing a weekly incident consultation between the police and municipality to monitor and address nightlife-related issues.
Launching a preventive action plan to tackle excessive drug use and violence, involving both the police and hospitality industry.
Improving public spaces in key streets like Gelkingestraat, Oosterstraat, and Peperstraat to foster a sense of safety.
A Unified Approach to Public Safety
Acting Mayor Mirjam van 't Veld emphasised the need for bold and coordinated action, stating, “There is no simple solution to these problems. We must act courageously to address the root causes of crime and insecurity in the city.”
The municipality will evaluate the short-term measures by mid-2025 to determine their effectiveness and ensure that issues do not simply shift to other areas.
By combining immediate interventions with long-term urban planning, Groningen aims to create a safer and more vibrant city centre for all.