Egg cartons help identify signs of crime
On Wednesday, August 26, Mayor Aart-Jan Moerkerke, together with Roks Streekwinkel, Platform Veilig Ondernemen (PVO) Brabant-Zeeland, ZLTO, and Brabant Op De Radar, drew attention to the campaign “Egg Cartons for a Safe Rural Area.” At Roks Streekwinkel in Fijnaart, the mayor symbolically purchased the first egg carton.
Through this campaign, the participating organizations are raising awareness about signs of subversive criminal activity in rural areas and the importance of reporting suspicious situations.
An egg carton with an important message
The special egg cartons have been available since early August at participating retail locations in the municipality of Moerdijk. The cartons feature examples of signs that may indicate criminal activity. They also include information on where to report a suspicious situation and a QR code that links to more information.
Through this eye-catching and accessible approach, the collaborating parties aim to help residents, visitors, and agricultural business owners recognize warning signs sooner and report suspicious situations.
Crime in Rural Areas
The countryside is a wonderful place to live, work, and enjoy leisure activities. At the same time, the peace and quiet, open spaces, and isolated buildings can make the area attractive to criminals.
A study by Platform Veilig Ondernemen and ZLTO shows that 61 percent of agricultural business owners have at some point been victims of theft or burglary. In addition, 17 percent report having been approached by criminals who wanted to use their barn, shed, or yard for illegal activities.
Mayor Aart-Jan Moerkerke: “A safe rural area is a shared responsibility. Residents and business owners know their surroundings better than anyone else and are often the first to notice when something is out of the ordinary. With this campaign, we’re raising awareness and showing that every report can contribute to a safe and livable Moerdijk.”
Do you see something that doesn't look right? Please report it
Residents and business owners know their own neighborhoods well. An unfamiliar vehicle that’s regularly parked near a secluded building, suspicious activity at a warehouse, or any other situation that seems off: these can all be reasons to file a report.
You don't need to be certain that a crime has been committed. Even a suspicion can provide valuable information.
Do you see anything suspicious? You can report it via the page on Subversion, Fraud, Crime, Abuse, or Suspected Instances of These.