Maashorst authorities launch rural crime prevention initiative

The municipality of Maashorst, in collaboration with the police, Platform Veilig Ondernemen (PVO), and the Zuidelijke Land- en Tuinbouworganisatie (ZLTO), organized a joint action day on September 15 to improve safety in rural areas.

During the event, officials visited approximately 30 agricultural businesses in Maashorst and 15 in Boekel. The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs protect themselves against crime, as rural areas in Brabant are considered attractive targets due to empty barns, stables, and greenhouses where criminal detection risks are perceived to be lower.

Research indicates that one in five farmers has been approached by criminals. The action day, led by the Interventieteam Maas & Leijgraaf (IML), focused on direct dialogue with residents and business owners to share information and identify local concerns. Mayor Hans van der Pas emphasized the importance of personal contact to maintain a safe and livable rural environment.