Spending on security slightly down in 2014

In 2014, spending on security in the Netherlands amounted to approximately 13 billion euros. Security expenditure increased until 2013 but then declined marginally. Average spending per capita last year was slightly over 750 euros, according to Statistics Netherlands.

Spending on security is defined as all spending on activities towards preventing and punishing crime, urban decay and nuisance, as well improving feelings of safety. The bulk of security expenditure, over 8.3 billion euros, is on account of the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice. Other ministries, local governments, the private sector and households also contribute to spending on security.

Security costs by financing source 2014

Nearly half of total spending goes to prevention

Approximately half of total expenditure on security is earmarked for prevention (5.9 billion). Substantial amounts also go to criminal investigation (2.8 billion) and enforcement (2.4 billion). Spending on support for crime victims has increased by nearly 20 percent since 2010, to 123 million euros in 2014. Last year, around 650 million euros was spent on assistance to suspects and perpetrators, an increase of 50 million euros relative to 2010.

Security costs 2010-2014

Decline in expenditure on security since 2012

Expenditure on security has risen by 30 percent since 2005. Up until 2012 inclusive, an increase was seen every year, but this was followed by a slight decline relative to 2012. This was seen not only in expenditure on prevention and prosecution but on crime investigation as well.

Between 2010 and 2014, material expenditure declined while costs for security personnel have increased slightly since 2010.

Households and private sector combined spent 2.8 billion euros

In 2014, Dutch households spent a total of 1 billion euros on security, 4 percent more than in 2010. These were mainly preventative measures such as locks, lighting and alarm systems. In addition, legal aid including lawyers constituted a security cost for households.

As for the private sector, around 1.8 billion euros were spent on security last year, mainly on prevention.