Large-scale traffic control on all access roads of Flevoland a success

From 8 p.m. to midnight, traffic was controlled on all access roads to Flevoland, except the Noordoostpolder. The eight checkpoints were set up near the Hollandse Brug and the Stichtse Brug near Almere, the Nijkerker Bridge near Zeewolde, the Veluwemeer Aqueduct near Harderwijk, the Elburger Bridge near Elburg, the Roggebot Bridge near Dronten, the Ketel Bridge near Nagele and the Markerwaarddijk near Lelystad. Vehicles near those checkpoints were selected on the road with an ANPR camera and then taken to the checkpoint by motorcycle officers. In total, about 250 to 300 agents and employees of partners were present on Friday evening.

Ultimately, more than thirty thousand vehicles were scanned and more than two hundred vehicles were extensively checked. Fortunately, everything was fine for many drivers, but not everyone passed the test. For example, eleven drivers drove under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, seven without a (valid) driver’s license and two with a stolen license plate. Nine vehicles were not registered and were seized. Six people were arrested because they had been identified for, among other things, having to provide DNA.

The partners present were also busy on Friday evening. Customs and the Royal Military Police supported the police in detecting suspicious signals. The tax authorities collected more than 117,000 euros in outstanding tax debts and seized 13 vehicles.

Very educational for new agents

Many new officers and students from the police academy also participated in the traffic control. They have previously been prepared through various workshops for the detection and professional inspection of vehicles. On Friday evening, March 8, they were able to put that knowledge into practice.

Detecting subversive crime

The main purpose of this large-scale traffic control was to detect subversive crime and record signals in the police systems. This is very important, because that information is needed and can be used in police investigations. The sector head of Flevoland Ben Nassir Bouayad is proud of this large-scale action. “There is also subversive crime in Flevoland that is not always visible. With this major traffic control, we are trying to gain more insight into this by professionally detecting and recording all signals of undermining crime.”

During the vehicle checks, flyers were distributed with information about Report Crime Anonymously. In this way, the police, together with its partners, want to inform the drivers under investigation about undermining crime and encourage them to report suspicious signals. Because the government cannot fight crime alone. Always report suspicious signals to the police or your local police officer. This can be done by calling 0900-8844. You can also report anonymously via Report Crime Anonymous on 0800-7000.