Rochdale hires private security to combat crack nuisance in Amsterdam-Southeast

Housing corporation Rochdale has begun employing private security guards to combat nuisance caused by crack users in the H-Buurt neighborhood of Amsterdam-Zuidoost. The initiative comes after residents of several apartment complexes, including Haag en Veld and Hoogoord, reported months of disturbance from drug users seeking shelter in hallways and storage areas after a local drop-in center closes. The security measure is intended to provide residents with immediate relief and is expected to cost the corporation approximately 110,000 euros over the next six months.

Rochdale officials have expressed concern about a potential displacement effect, where the problem might simply shift to other residential buildings. While the guards are currently tasked with patrolling, the corporation maintains that public order is not their primary responsibility. Rochdale is actively seeking a more permanent, systemic solution through ongoing discussions with municipal and national authorities, noting that the current reliance on private security is a costly, temporary measure.