Overview
- Police have logged more than 10,000 incidents through November 2025, a steep rise from 520 cases recorded in 2023.
- A Rotterdam-based investigation points to structured groups with defined roles such as callers, doorstep operatives using agreed names and codes, and drivers who move and distribute stolen goods.
- The common tactic begins with an alarming phone call followed by a supposed visit to ‘safeguard’ items, after which jewelry and bank cards are taken.
- On some days there are roughly 600 attempted contacts nationwide, with only two or three typically succeeding, according to investigators.
- Authorities advise checking a plastic police ID with name and personnel number, looking for a complete uniform and radio, and noting that officers never take valuables, as reporting also found convincing gear is easily bought online from an unauthorized seller in Spijk.