The number of armed robberies in the Netherlands fell by 11% in 2010 to just over 2,500, according to the police chiefs association on Thursday.

The drop was sharpest in Limburg and northern parts of Noord-Holland province and in the big cities. In Utrecht, the number of armed robberies fell 24% and in Amsterdam 18%, news agency Novum said.
It is the first time in years that the robbery total has gone down.
However, while attacks on shops, bars and cafes fell, there was a 14% increase in robberies targeting transport and lorry companies.