Tackling drugs and public nuisance: here’s what we did in 2025
Through targeted measures and in close collaboration with partners, residents, and business owners, we have made a strong commitment over the past year to improving safety and quality of life in our municipality.
Implementation of the Damocles Policy
By 2025, we had applied the municipal Damocles policy twenty times. This policy is invoked when drugs are found on a property. In sixteen cases, this led to the closure of a residence, garage, or commercial property. These were situations involving drug trafficking, a cannabis grow operation, or a location where drugs were processed (so-called “drug properties”).
If criminal activity occurs at a particular address, the property may be temporarily closed. This measure is intended to sever ties with criminal activity, put an end to illegal practices, and restore peace and safety in the neighborhood.
Drug labs and marijuana grow operations pose significant risks, such as fire, explosions, flooding, violence, or health issues. These activities often have a major impact on the immediate surroundings and the quality of life in the neighborhood.
Tackling street drug trafficking
Action was also taken against street drug dealing. A total of ten penalty orders were issued. This means that repeat offenders must pay a fine. In a number of cases, this has already happened.
Awareness and collaboration
In addition to enforcement efforts, several meetings have been organized for residents and business owners, such as the “Kiek Oet” meeting, the drug-related container initiative, and the exploitation prevention initiative. These meetings focused on raising awareness: how to recognize signs of drug-related activity, what to do in suspicious situations, and where to report such incidents.
With these measures, we are taking action against criminal activities that undermine our community and working to create a safe and livable municipality.
Recognizing Suspicious Situations
Tackling drug-related crime is a shared responsibility. Residents and business owners play an important role by being alert to signs such as:
- strong chemical odors or the smell of marijuana
- windows covered with tape or curtains that are always closed
- unusual ventilation or humming noises
- many short visits at unusual times
Report suspicious situations (anonymously)
Do you feel like something isn't quite right in your neighborhood? Be sure to report it. You can contact the police at 0900-8844 or submit a report via the BuitenBeter app: https://buitenbeter.nl/web/#/kerkrade?lang=nl.
You can also report anonymously through Report Crime Anonymously: www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl or by calling 0800 – 7000. Your report is completely anonymous; your personal information will not be stored.
Every report helps us respond more quickly and effectively. Together, we can keep our community safe and livable. Your report really makes a difference.
With this approach, we continue to work every day—together with our partners, residents, and business owners—to combat crime that undermines our communities. In this way, we ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe and pleasant places to live and work.