The centre of Utrecht will officially become an ‘at risk’ area from next month, meaning the police can set up random stop and search operations, the city’s mayor Aleid Wolfson has announced.

Wolfson hopes focusing on the area around Breedstraat will reduce the nuisance caused by drugs and improve the safety of locals.
‘Local residents and employers in the Breedstraat area experience continual nuisance due to drugs dealers and users. Both dealers and hard-drug users often carry weapons,’ a city council statement said.