The checks on scooters introduced in Amsterdam last Thursday have led to a 50% drop in bag-snatching and muggings, mayor Job Cohen told the council on Thursday evening.

Since last Thursday 859 scooter riders have been pulled over and checked. Their details and a photo of the scooter have been added to the new scooter register, reports the Volkskrant.
A total of 111 people have been arrested for various crimes and misdemeanours. A further 49 people were already on the police wanted list, says the paper.
Although the week-long action has now ended, the police say they will still be checking scooters.