Rotterdam: Fewer Moroccans suspected of crimes
Antilleans and Moroccans in Rotterdam are most often suspected of crime than other groups. The number of Antilleans who were suspected of a crime in 2009 was 7.2%, compared to 4.6% of Moroccans. The average for all Rotterdam residents was around 2%.
This according to the most recent data from the Antilleans and Moroccan Rotterdamers Monitor 2010, sent by mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb to the municipal council Thursday. Though Antilleans and Moroccans still lead in city crime, there is a drop compared to last year.
The number of Antillians suspected of a crime fell from 8.8% in 2008 to 7.2% in 2009. Among moroccans the percentage fell from 6.4% to 4.6%. Among Surinamese it's almost 4% and among Turks 3%. In 2004, 10% of the Antillieans were suspected of a crime.
The study shows that almost a third of Antilleans who live in Rotterdam got in trouble with the police and were suspected of a crime between 2000 and 2009. There wasn't much difference between Moroccans (22.6%) and Surinamese (21.8%). The average for all Rotterdam residents is 12.6%.
The study, conducted by Erasmus University, draws a picture of the social position of Antilleans and Moroccans. Rotterdam has a special police for both risk-groups. The researchers concluded that the number of Antilleans who are dependent on welfare fell from 18.6% to 15.9%. The number of welfare applications among Moroccans went down slightly to 14%.
In the past few weeks the discussion about Antilleans crime in Rotterdam flared up after sever incidents where Antilleans were involved, both as perpetrators and victims.
Source: Telegraaf (Dutch)
