Police in Rotterdam have arrested an 18-year-old man from Ridderkerk on suspicion of sexually assaulting several women and girls in both Rotterdam and Ridderkerk. The suspect allegedly targeted victims while riding a scooter, with attacks reported between July and late October.
Authorities say the man is believed to have harassed women in his hometown since the end of October, with victims ranging in age from 11 to 24 years old. “Last summer, women were also targeted by a man on a scooter who harassed them in the same area. Police believe this may be the same suspect,” a Rotterdam police statement said.
A total of 15 victims have reported assaults to police since July. Witnesses, including one in Ridderkerk, provided a description that helped investigators identify and arrest the suspect. Most incidents were recorded in the IJsselmonde district, where five victims reported being assaulted on Zevenbergsedijkje and Cornelis van Beverenbrug. Another five reports came from Verbindingsweg in Ridderkerk.
The series of crimes has reignited debate over women’s safety in Rotterdam, prompting the municipality to install more streetlights and surveillance cameras in vulnerable areas.
Police said the suspect could face an initial court hearing by Thursday. Under Dutch law, authorities can hold a suspect for up to three days before presenting evidence to a magistrate, who may then extend detention for another two weeks pending further investigation.
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