In the fight against crime in the port of Scheveningen, the municipality, police, Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar), Customs, and the Port of Scheveningen Authority will collaborate more closely in a Security Hub. By having various enforcement and supervisory organizations sit together, signals can be shared more quickly and suspicious situations can be addressed sooner. During a neighborhood meeting at the hub’s construction site on Friday, Mayor Jan van Zanen invited residents and business owners to feel free to drop by the new office in the port.
The Safety Hub is also there for residents, entrepreneurs, and everyone who uses the Scheveningen harbor area. “The hub is also there for people with questions, for people who are worried, for people who see something that isn’t right. Criminals are constantly looking for opportunities for their illegal practices. That means that together we must act faster, smarter, and more visibly. That is how we make Scheveningen stronger,” said Mayor Van Zanen.
Construction of the Safety Hub at Dr. Lelykade in Scheveningen Harbour is now in full swing. The joint office is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027. From then on, the municipality, police, and Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar) will be visibly present and approachable with permanent workspaces in the hub. Customs and the Port of Scheveningen Authority will be connected from their own workspaces where necessary.
Small unique seaport
The Security Hub fits into the broader approach to small seaports throughout the Netherlands, which joined forces earlier this year in the Platform against Undermining Small Seaports during a meeting in the port of Scheveningen. In recent years, security at larger seaports, such as those of Rotterdam, the North Sea Canal Area, and Vlissingen, has been significantly increased by the central government. As a result, the risk has increased that drug criminals and human traffickers will move to smaller seaports. Therefore, greater cooperation in small seaports is also necessary to prevent this.
Moreover, Scheveningen Harbour has a uniquely multifaceted character with many maritime business activities, such as fishing and tender services, and a lively mix of water sports, hospitality, tourism, and residential areas. Therefore, it is especially valuable to have various enforcement and supervisory organizations located closer together, so that signals received in the diverse areas of work are shared and investigated more quickly. This not only strengthens the approach to crime; in doing so, we also reinforce the living and business environment in and around the port of Scheveningen. After all, a safe harbour is a strong harbour.
Source & images: Gemeente Den Haag
