Recognizing signs of drug crime through a game
To make residents in Parkstad more alert to signs of drug crime, the interactive game Unit 75 is being offered. All 115,000 households in Parkstad will have the opportunity to play along with family, friends or neighbors for free. Starting Oct. 7, a special newspaper will be delivered door-to-door to all households. In this way, the seven Parkstad municipalities are working together in the fight against drug crime and undermining, seeking to prevent criminals from using legal businesses and services for illegal activities.
Newspaper in the mailbox
In the municipalities of Beekdaelen, Brunssum, Heerlen, Kerkrade, Landgraaf, Simpelveld and Voerendaal, the game Unit 75 will be offered from mid-October. The game consists of a newspaper and an app for the phone. Using augmented reality, residents can playfully learn about the signs of drug crime, such as drug labs and hemp nurseries.
Residents use the newspaper and app to search for eight suspicious locations in their community. The newspaper contains interesting articles about drug crime and explains how to play the game. The ultimate goal is to work with residents to uncover drug crime and create a safe living environment.
Dirk Delisse, owner of Gamificationers, developer of the game: "After the successful deployment of Unit 75 in 15 municipalities in the Netherlands, we are pleased that we can now also contribute in the 7 municipalities of Parkstad Limburg to raise awareness regarding undermining crime and increase willingness to report."
Reporting Suspicious Signs
Reporting signs to the police or Report Crime Anonymously is critical to safe and livable neighborhoods. To report suspicious situations, it is important to know what to look for. Rik Caumon (police team chief) is pleased with the help of observant residents: "As police, we cannot be everywhere. Residents are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood and often know whether what is happening is right or wrong. By reporting suspicious situations, we can detect drug criminals faster and stop their illegal activities. This makes us more resilient against drug crime."
Jacqueline Bisschop of the ACT! Intervention Team Parkstad adds: "The impact of drug crime on our society is great. It not only affects safety, but also the livability of our neighborhoods. By actively involving residents with this game and teaching them to recognize suspicious situations, we create observant residents who don't give drug criminals a chance."
Win a prize
The newspaper will be delivered in the Park City region between Oct. 7 and 18. Using the newspaper, the Unit 75 app can be downloaded for free in the app stores. Participants in the game will have a chance to win fun prizes. The Eenheid 75 game is made possible by the seven municipalities in Parkstad, the police, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the RIEC (Regional Information and Expertise Center) and the ACT! Intervention Team Parkstad.