NL Times, woensdag 7 oktober om 22:00, 2 min lezen
Five arrested as youths cause weeks of trouble on fat bikes in Hoogeveen
Wednesday, 7 October 2026 - 22:00
A group of young people has been causing trouble in central Hoogeveen, Drenthe, for several weeks, prompting the mayor to say he has “had enough,” according to a spokesperson. Five people were arrested on Tuesday evening, including three minors, a 19-year-old Hoogeveen resident and a 22-year-old man from Zwolle. Police also handed out 23 fines.
The municipality says most of the youths involved are aged between 12 and 17. They have reportedly been riding fat bikes through the town center, intimidating pedestrians and setting off fireworks, including throwing them at people.
Authorities have made several arrests, issued dozens of fines and seized two fat bikes. Three youths have also been given area bans, while another three have been warned that they could face one.
Mayor Martijn Breukelman called on the parents of the youths involved in the disturbances to take responsibility for their children’s behavior on Tuesday. “Parents have an important responsibility for the behavior of their children. I therefore explicitly ask parents to take that responsibility,” he said.
Police are present both visibly and covertly in the center of Hoogeveen and say they are in continuous contact with the municipality and the Public Prosecution Service about the situation. “Within our respective responsibilities and roles, we are working together to restore and maintain peace and safety in the town center.”
A ban on gathering in groups has also been introduced in the town center. Police have been dispersing groups and ordering young people to leave, with plainclothes officers also deployed, RTV Meppel reported.
The municipality has also introduced camera surveillance and is deploying youth workers as part of a broader effort to identify those involved and prevent further escalation.
Reporting by ANP and NL Times