Amsterdam’s dark turn: Women and residents fear nighttime streets as crime soars

• Amsterdam is no longer safe. Once the safest city in Europe, 70 percent of its residents now avoid certain areas at night, with 85 percent of women feeling unsafe.
• Recent murders of Rivaldo and Lisa, along with multiple sexual assaults, have heightened safety concerns.
• Parks, shopping streets, bicycle tunnels and train station areas are seen as unsafe, often due to poor lighting and loitering groups.
• About 91 percent of women who experienced harassment or violence did not report it to the police.
• The community calls for increased police presence, better awareness campaigns and legalizing pepper spray as self-defense tools.

Amsterdam, once hailed as one of the safest cities in Europe, is now grappling with a profound sense of insecurity, especially among women. Recent high-profile crimes, including the murders of two 17-year-olds and multiple sexual assaults, have heightened concerns. A TV panel discussion hosted by local broadcaster AT5 revealed that seven in ten participants now avoid certain parts of the city due to safety concerns, with 85 percent of women feeling unsafe at night.

Rising insecurity and high-profile crimes

The city’s safety crisis has been exacerbated by a series of high-profile crimes. In recent weeks, Amsterdam has been rocked by the murders of Rivaldo, a 17-year-old shot dead on a soccer field, and Lisa, another 17-year-old who was brutally murdered by a 22-year-old asylum seeker while cycling home. These tragic events have been followed by multiple sexual assaults, including incidents in Vondelpark, one of the city’s most popular public spaces.

Public response and community action

The community has responded with silent marches, commemorations and protests, turning safety—especially for women at night—into one of Amsterdam’s most pressing concerns. Police have been on high alert, recording three explosions in five days, further contributing to the sense of unease. Eva, a participant in the AT5 panel, explained, “You have less of an overview and there are fewer people around. If something were to happen, you’d have less chance of getting to a safe place or being able to talk to someone. Then I do think something could happen.”

Avoiding unsafe areas: A nighttime reality

Many panel members identified specific areas they avoid after dark due to safety concerns. Parks such as Vondelpark, Sarphatipark and Oosterpark were frequently mentioned. “There are so many places where someone can hide. It doesn’t feel safe there,” a woman described her unease near the Rozenburghlaan and Weesperzijde bike path. Shopping streets, bicycle tunnels and train station areas were also cited as unsafe.

Personal experiences and lack of reporting

One in two participants reported direct negative experiences on the street, ranging from catcalling and verbal harassment to more severe incidents like being followed, threatened, or physically attacked. Despite these experiences, 91 percent of the women who reported incidents never went to the police. One participant said, “Every situation has to be reported, so that a file can be built. Then you can see how often it’s happened and that you’re taken seriously.”

Calls for action and policy changes

The feeling of insecurity comes amid the backdrop of the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for Oct. 29. Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) is expected to become the largest party, with a focus on immigration, asylum, and law and order. The PVV’s broader justice agenda includes proposals like life sentences without parole, tougher penalties for violent and sexual crimes, and the chemical castration of serious child abusers.

Public and law enforcement criticisms

More than half of the participants said they feel the police are not doing enough to ensure safety. “The police have become invisible since the neighborhood police officer disappeared. You feel like you’re being left to fend for yourself,” said one panel member. Some also called for stronger awareness campaigns about harassment, suggesting that discussions start from a young age and that pepper spray should be legalized.

A city at a crossroads

Amsterdam’s shift from one of the safest cities in Europe to a place where many residents fear going out at night is a significant concern. The city must address the root causes of these safety issues, including the lack of police presence, poor lighting in certain areas and the need for better support for victims of harassment and violence. As the city prepares for the upcoming elections, the safety of its residents, especially women, must remain a top priority.

Sources for this article include:

RMX.news

at5.nl

NYTimes.com