DIT inspection of five locations in the outskirts of Son en Breugel

Yesterday, the Dommelstroom Intervention Team (DIT) inspected five locations in the outskirts of Son en Breugel. No irregularities were found. However, the Environmental Agency and the municipality will be investigating a few of the findings further. The owners involved all cooperated with the inspection. They received information from DIT staff about the risks and signs of subversive crime and what to do in suspicious situations.

In many municipalities, farms and outbuildings stand vacant. Criminals therefore view rural areas as ideal locations for illegal activities. One in five farmers in Brabant has been approached at some point about renting out vacant properties for illicit purposes. Cannabis farms, drug labs, and illegal dumping of drug waste are being discovered with increasing frequency.

Mayor Otters-Bruijnen: “Through this inspection, the DIT sought to determine whether there are locations that are vulnerable to criminal activity, have already been targeted by criminals, or have (unwittingly) made their premises available for criminal activities.”

The following agencies were involved in the inspection: the East Brabant Police, Enexis, the Southeast Brabant Environmental Agency (ODZOB), and the municipality of Son en Breugel.

(Anonymous) reporting of suspicious situations and nuisances

Residents can help create a safe living environment. They can report suspicious situations and/or disturbances to the DIT. They can do so by calling the municipality of Son en Breugel at 0499-491 491 or the police at 0900-8844. 

Residents who prefer to report anonymously have several options available to them:

• They can leave a letter for the community police officer in a special mailbox at City Hall. The mailbox is located inside near the entrance.
• They can report anonymously viawww.sonenbreugel.nl/verdachte-situaties-herkennen-en-melden.
• They can report anonymously through Report Crime Anonymously: 0800-7000 or via www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.

It’s always a good idea to report suspicious activity. Even a gut feeling or a sense that something isn’t quite right is sufficient reason to file a report. Your report could be the missing piece of the puzzle in an ongoing investigation or could prompt a new investigation.

Confidential Advisor for Rural Safety

A dedicated contact person for the "Safe Rural Areas" initiative has been appointed specifically for residents living in and on the outskirts of rural areas. This is Ms. F. v.d. Plas from the ZLTO. People who live and/or work in rural areas and have questions or concerns about safety in rural areas can contact her at vertrouwenspersoon@veilig-buitengebied.nl or by phone at 06 - 29520266. 

About the Dommelstroom Intervention Team

The DIT plays a key role in addressing problems and crime. Under the DIT’s leadership, government authorities regularly inspect buildings and locations that may be in violation of regulations. The team examines issues such as fire safety, accounting, illegal occupancy, permits, registration in the National Population Register, human trafficking, prostitution, drugs, welfare fraud, and other violations. 

The DIT is an intervention team coordinated by the six municipalities along the Dommel River: Cranendonck, Geldrop-Mierlo, Heeze-Leende, Nuenen, Son en Breugel, and Valkenswaard.