The enforcement of the Squatting and Vacancy Law (Wet kraken en leegstand) by the Dutch police, the Public Prosecution Service and the City of Amsterdam may lead to the end of squatting in Amsterdam.

On March 22, evictions took place at Wijde Heisted, with Schoolstraat and Willhelminastraat being next in a list of approximately 200 squats.

The new law (October 1, 2010) dictates that squatting in Amsterdam is a criminal offence, while the property owner can now obtain an eviction order without attending court.

According to the police, squatters found in the properties during the evictions will be arrested and prosecuted.

Source: Parool.nl