Recognizing signs of drug crime through a game
To make residents in Parkstad more alert to signs of drug crime, we are offering the interactive game Unit 75. All 115,000 households in Parkstad will have the opportunity to play for free with family, friends or neighbors. Starting October 7, we will deliver a special newspaper door-to-door to all households. The seven municipalities of Parkstad are thus working together in the fight against drug crime and undermining We want to prevent criminals from using legal companies and services for illegal activities.
Newspaper in the mailbox
In the municipalities of Beekdaelen, Brunssum, Heerlen, Kerkrade, Landgraaf, Simpelveld and Voerendaal, we are offering the game Unity 75 starting in October. The game consists of a newspaper and an app for the phone. By using augmented reality, residents can playfully learn about the signs of drug crime, such as drug labs and hemp nurseries.
Residents will use the newspaper and app to search for eight suspicious locations in their community. The newspaper contains interesting articles about drug crime and explanations on how to play the game. The goal is to work with residents to uncover drug crime and ensure a safe living environment.
Dirk Delisse, owner of Gamificationers, developer of the game: "After the successful deployment of Unit 75 in 15 municipalities in the Netherlands, we are pleased that we can now also contribute to raising awareness of undermining crime and increasing willingness to report in the 7 municipalities of Parkstad Limburg."
Reporting suspicious signals
Reporting signs to the police or Report Crime Anonymously is very important for safe and livable neighborhoods. In order to report suspicious situations, it is important to know what to look for. Rik Caumon (team chief of police) is pleased with the help of observant residents: "As police we cannot be everywhere. Residents are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood and often know whether what is happening is right or wrong. By reporting suspicious situations, we can detect drug criminals faster and stop their illegal activities. This makes us more resilient against drug crime."
Jacqueline Bisschop of the ACT! Intervention Team Parkstad adds: "The impact of drug crime on our society is great. It affects not only safety, but also the livability of our neighborhoods. By actively involving residents with this game and teaching them to recognize suspicious situations, we make our residents attentive and give drug criminals no chance."
Win a prize
We will deliver the newspaper between Oct. 7 and Oct. 18 in Park City. With help from the newspaper, you can download the Unit 75 app for free in the app stores. Participants in the game will have a chance to win fun prizes. The Eenheid 75 game is made possible by the seven municipalities in Parkstad, the police, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the RIEC (Regional Information and Expertise Center) and the ACT! Intervention Team Parkstad.