can anyone tell me what the crime rate is in Amsterdam, Netherlands, et al.?

Question

i was wondering this because if some drugs are legal there, Id think people were more laid back and less likely to be violent.

What is it like there and what drugs Are legal there?

Thank you.

Answer 1

The crime rate is not as high as in other metropoles, because in the end it is a small city. The figures are difficult to compare. There are many bikes that are stolen, that is why the rates seem high in Holland. I found a compartive study on murder which shows Holland has less murders per 100.000 inhabitants. In England the figure is 1.7, in holland 1.6 in the US 5.6.

Those are the figures. I live in Amsterdam and feel safe everywhere. For women it is a bit different. They will not go to a park in the night. But that is likewise everywhere.

The use of drugs is less than elsewhere althuogh it is easy to buy for your own use. Only cannabis, not cocaine or heroine!I have found comparitive figures (below). Cannabis is not legal, but if a shop sells small amounts only for personal use and it is not near a school, the police does not bother. As soon as there are hard drugs involved, it is different, not only illegal, but also punished.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Crime Rate In Amsterdam

Answer 4

Hi there.

As far as crime, it exists as in most major cities. Pickpocketing is a problem here, as are the occasional snatch-and-grabs of purses. Wear a money belt or what have you, and try and keep your other stuff as safe as you can (ie cameras and the like). Be especially mindfull on buses, trains & so on, & of course at the stations & airport.

Bike theft is a SERIOUS problem in Amsterdam, despite what some people may tell you. I believe it has one of the worst bike theft ratios in the world. It's gotten better over the years, but it's still pretty bad. Bike theft insurance is practically a given there these days, and is often included in bike rental fees. If you take your own bike, or buy one there, insure it &/or do whatever you can to safeguard it. If you don't, there's fair odds it may disappear.

Tourist abuse, ie defrauding tourists by merchants, street vendors and so forth is not unheard of. Be sure you know the Euro, what coins are which and that sort of thing. If you think you're being screwed over, either just refuse the deal &/or report it to the police.

Violent crime does exist in Amsterdam, though much of it is in the rougher parts of town. As it is one of the most popular tourism cities of Europe, you'll find a lot of folk there enjoying the great Dutch beer. Unfortunantly, as everywhere else, people sometimes get too loaded and the inevitable fights brew up.

In some areas it's probably good, at night, to travel at least in pairs, especially if you're a woman. Especially in the Red LIght districts.

In general, just use your good tourism wits, common sense, and you'll be fine.

As far as "legal" drugs, none really. Marijuana is tolerated, provided it is a small amount and you smoke it in a coffeehouse or some other private place. If you do smoke pot, stick to the coffeehouses. I do not personally smoke, but it is a bad idea to buy anything like that off the street. You could also be lured into an alley to complete your deal and find yourself being robbed.

Hemp products are also illegal, though tolerated to an extent.

The feelings about Dutch drug policies are changing though. Outside of Amsterdam, you'll find a less allowing atmosphere, and in some places they're outright anti-drug. Even Amsterdam has been brought to reflect on their policies, and there's a fair sized movement to further restrict if not ban marijuana from Amsterdam. Who knows what will happen...I've given up trying to understand Dutch politics. ;)

Don't let any of this shake you though. I love Amsterdam. It's a great city, and with a little common sense you'll probably have a great time.

Good travels!

Answer 5

RE:
can anyone tell me what the crime rate is in Amsterdam, Netherlands, et al.?
i was wondering this because if some drugs are legal there, Id think people were more laid back and less likely to be violent.

What is it like there and what drugs Are legal there?

Thank you.

Answer 6

You cant be serious. If the crime rates were higher there, would they want to admit it? And do you actually think they would blame it on weed? As for the being illegal part, all you need to do is read. There is tons of information from: Cardiff University Copenhagen University Yale University Karolinska Institute Molecular Psychiatry American Academy of Neurology American Association for Cancer Research American Chemical Society National Institutes of Health White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre These are just some of the sources.

Answer 7

I find myself in complete agreement with FilmCollector`s answer.

Drugs are just tolerated, not exactly legal.
Why many Americans seem to think it is legal is beyond me.

If we are talking marijana, you are allowed to carry up to 5 grams for personal use, without fear of having trouble with the police.
Useage (ie smoking) of drugs is no problem in places called "coffeeshop" in and around Amsterdam, but you might be told off if you use it outside of it, especially in other cities.
Amsterdam is, so far, pretty relaxed about it.

As to crime, well, it`s similar to other major cities.
The areas you need to be extra careful with valuables are:
Central Station
Red Light District
Any darker less busy area
Dam Square (or any other square) where there are events going on. (many people, more chaos, easier for pickpockets).

And, indeed, stick to buying things in real shops. Less chance of you running into trouble.

One exception : The Albert Cuyp Market.

Anyways - for more pointers, tips, or a tour guide (grin) - feel free to contact me.

Answer 8

In Amsterdam is a wide spectral range of attractions for recreational and cultural sightseeing. They range from intriguing old structures, just like the Oude Kerk, to oddities like the Hash

Answer 9

I've spent several months there before, and despite the legalities the crime is quite low.

Answer 10

I would expect it to be high, but it quite isn't. And I dont have an exact rate, so sorry.