Extrema Outdoor Houthalen-Helchteren: 263 drug offences, 37 driving licences withdrawn
The 16th edition of Extrema Outdoor proceeded smoothly: 68,000 visitors, 263 drug seizures and 37 withdrawn driving licences. Fines generated over 75,000 euros.
16th Extrema Outdoor ran smoothly: fewer drugs, driving licences withdrawn after traffic checks
The 16th edition of the dance festival Extrema Outdoor in Houthalen-Helchteren passed this weekend without serious incidents. That is reported by VRT NWS based on a review by the CARMA police zone. Over three festival days, approximately 68,000 people visited the Plas.
Drug checks and fines
263 festival-goers were caught with narcotics in their possession — a decrease of 100 cases compared to last year. They received an immediate out-of-court settlement on the spot, with amounts ranging from 125 to 1,100 euros depending on the nature of the offence and the circumstances. The vast majority paid immediately via a mobile payment terminal on the grounds. In total, that generated 75,325 euros. Anyone who does not pay within 14 days will be summoned to magistrates' court. Four visitors were required to leave the festival grounds immediately.
10 festival-goers were arrested for disturbing the public peace, drunkenness or drug use.
Traffic checks Saturday and Sunday
Both Saturday evening and Sunday evening saw two large-scale traffic controls in the area surrounding the festival grounds, each time from 21:00 to 05:00. In total, 37 driving licences were withdrawn, mainly from drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police also had 6 vehicles towed, because the drivers were under the influence or their vehicle was not insured.
Some reports of theft and voyeurism
During the festival, a number of petty thefts were reported. One woman filed a report of voyeurism: she noticed on the campsite whilst showering that she was being spied on by two men.
Reactions from prosecutor, mayor and organisers
Prosecutor Frank Bleyen emphasises the joint approach: "Together with the other partners and the organisers, we as prosecutor's office are committed to safe living around and safe enjoyment at the festival grounds. We have been succeeding at this for a few years now."
Mayor Alain Yzermans (Hoppah) describes it as a successful edition. "The cooperation between police, emergency services, prosecutor's office and organisers ran particularly smoothly. Not only has the police had to intervene less often, but despite the heat there were also fewer medical interventions. And very importantly: there was less disruption for the neighbours. As far as I am concerned, this edition was a springboard for further growth of the festival in the coming years."
Festival organiser Ugur Akkus looks back on the summer edition with satisfaction. "This location really comes into its own when the sun is shining, you notice that in everything. The festival grounds were arranged differently following the redevelopment of the Plas. That was somewhat uncertain: would people who have been coming here for 16 years not find it strange? But we received a lot of positive feedback."
Source: VRT NWS