Netherlands Close Eight Prisons Due to Lack of Criminals

The declining crime rate in Netherland has forced the closure of certain prisons which is an

impressive record as against many countries where the problem of overcrowding in prisons is

prominent.

"As prison populations surge in the UK, with overcrowded cells and repeat offenders, the

opposite is happening in the Netherlands. reports Huffingtonpost.

The country has closed down eight prisons because of a lack of criminals, the Dutch justice ministry has announced.

Declining crime rates in the Netherlands mean that although the country has the capacity for

14,000 prisoners, there are only 12,000 detainees, reported the nrc.nl.

The decrease is expected to continue, the ministry said, with Deputy Justice Minister, Nebahat

Albayrak saying that natural redundancy and other measures should counter any forced lay-

offs."