Knokke-Heist(The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Knokke-Heist sees an influx of Dutch teens, mostly 16-17 years old during holidays leading to increased alcohol consumption and related issues. Belgian and Dutch police collaborate to maintain order and ensure safety
Lots of Dutch teens come to Knokke-Heist during the holidays from the Netherlands. Every day around 16 and 17-year-olds arrive in this Belgian town for their summer vacation. Police Chief Steve Desmet noticed that now teens from all over are coming not just from Amsterdam like before. These teens are having their first taste of freedom in Knokke-Heist and their parents give them money for a week-long vacation. They are trying new things especially drinking alcohol. In Belgium unlike the Netherlands where you have to be 18 to drink here you can be 16. So many teens try drinking because of this rule difference causing more drinking and related problems. Chief Desmet mentions that these teens are learning as they go facing different outcomes from their first experiences with alcohol.
How are Dutch and Belgian police collaborating to ensure teen safety in Knokke-Heist
The Dutch police in Knokke-Heist are helping out to handle all these teens. They are working with the local police to keep things organized and make sure these young holidaymakers stay safe. The Dutch and Belgian police working together is really important to deal with any problems caused by the mix of excited teens and their new freedoms.
Lots of Dutch teens mostly 16 and 17 years old come to Knokke-Heist every day. Chief of Police Steve Desmet noticed that at first it was mostly teens from Amsterdam but now teens from different parts of the Netherlands are coming too. They often drink a lot leading to issues like being drunk in public. Chief of Police Steve Desmet says these teens are learning about freedom and responsibility. Belgian and Dutch police work together to keep everyone safe and maintain order in Knokke-Heist. The Dutch cops ride bikes or horses with the Belgian cops in Knokke-Heist. Chief of Police Desmet says it’s important because if they’re not around at Alfred Verweeplein things get out of hand quickly. Even a 10-minute absence leads to small riots. The Dutch help is appreciated especially the youth officer who can connect with the young people and calm them down. She can handle their emotions and prevent things from getting worse.
The Benelux police treaty changed last October giving more powers to cops from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. They can now control traffic check IDs and escort people in all three countries. Each country has its own rules like searching people and cars. Mixed patrols help solve problems better a Belgian cop handles Belgian issues and a Dutch cop can check databases for Dutch cases. Recently a mixed foot patrol was attacked by some youths but no one was seriously hurt. Police Chief Desmet says they need to stay out late now because the nightlife is getting busier especially on weekends. They expect this summer to be very hectic.
