Explosives detection dog searches for illegal fireworks in garage units

Yesterday, Maya, the explosives detection dog, searched for illegal fireworks in garage units on Hyacinthstraat and Professor Asserlaan. No illegal fireworks were found. No other illegal goods were found either. The municipality and the police plan to carry out these types of preventive operations more frequently.

In the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve, the police are conducting preventive checks for illegal fireworks. Because dealers in illegal fireworks may use garage units, the police took action yesterday at garage units on Hyacinthstraat and Professor Asserlaan. They did so in collaboration with special enforcement officers and the municipality’s building inspector.

Sweep past the garage units

The explosives detection dog first conducted a “sweep” of the garage units. No illegal fireworks were found during the sweep. Because the police were also checking for compliance with the zoning plan, they had a locksmith open several garage units. Upon opening the garage units, no illegal activities were found, such as the storage of stolen goods or raw materials for drug production.

More frequent preventive actions

“I’m glad nothing was found,” says Mayor Nadine Stemerdink. “As a municipality, we are committed to the safety of our residents, so we will continue to carry out these kinds of preventive measures in the future. I would like to thank the garage unit renters for their understanding and cooperation. And, of course, thanks also to the police, the special enforcement officers, the building inspector, and above all, Maya the bomb-sniffing dog.”

Report Fireworks Disturbances

We ask residents who suspect that illegal fireworks are being stored in their neighborhood to report this to the municipality. Contact information and all details about New Year’s Eve can be found at www.voorschoten.nl/informatie-jaarwisseling-2022-2023. You can also call the municipality (14071), the police (112), or Report Crime Anonymously (0800-7000).