The number of armed robberies in the Netherlands fell 8% over the first eight months of the year, compared with 2011, and muggings are also down, according to new justice ministry figures.

Last year there were 2,272 armed robberies, compared with 2,900 in 2009. And between January and August there were 1,417, meaning the decline is steady. The ministry has a target of a maximum 1,900 armed robberies by 2014.
Muggings are also down slightly, the figures show. In 2011, 8,700 people were robbed on the street.
Justice minister Ivo Opstelten said the positive results are a sign that his ministry’s focus on violent robberies is bearing fruit. In particular, many youngsters are installing apps in their phones and laptops which allow them to be traced if stolen, RTL pointed out.
RTL news said earlier this year that robberies and muggings are most likely to take place in poorer neighbourhoods.