The number of tips made to crime hotline Meld Misdaad Anoniem increased by 18% to a total of 24,201 in 2024, resulting in 3,372 arrests and the seizure of 756 weapons, the organisation said.

A record number of 777 reports, or half as many again compared to last year, were made in connection with explosives, including attacks, bomb-making materials, or the trade or storage of illegal fireworks.

Between 2021 and 2023 the number of explosions in the Netherlands has increased fivefold, with 70% of incidents taking place in the Randstad conurbation around Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.

A revenge attack on a bridal shop in The Hague in December last year resulted in the collapse of a building, killing three members of the same family and three others, and putting four others in hospital.

“Explosions are having a great impact on the safety in neighbourhoods. The numerous incidents are contributing to a feeling of insecurity. In the last year, incidents resulted in injury and even deaths. That has been an important motive for people to contact the hotline,” a spokesperson for Meld Misdaad Anoniem said.

The number of tips about missing persons also grew to an unprecedented 2,087 while reports about violent crime jumped by 25% to 2,558. Compared to last year physical abuse, destruction and animal abuse were also reported more often.

About half of all tip-offs referred to drug-related crime. Some 12,307 reports included information about drug trading, drug labs or plantations, leading to the seizure of 9,000 marijuana plants.

Of all the provinces, Limburg chalked up most reports, with 19.5 tip-offs per 10,000 people.