New Year celebrations in the Netherlands have passed off with fewer incidents than a year ago. A preliminary report issued by the interior ministry states there were more than 2,400 incidents, a few hundred fewer than in 2008.

This time there were 870 cases of arson compared to 1,370 cases in 2008. But emergency workers were harassed more often than last year. The ministry says the situation was "manageable" but stresses that the celebrations were far from peaceful. A final report is to be released in the coming week.

Interior Minister Guusje ter Horst has expressed outrage at the violence. She says it is shocking that so many officers had to be deployed to police the New Year celebrations. She has called for stiff fines for the rioters. She wants repeat offenders to be given fines of up 10,000 euros. A small-scale experiment with such fines was held this year. The minister wants to expand the scheme next year.

The Dutch Association of Insurers estimates the damage caused on New Year's Eve at eight million euros, one million less than a year ago. In the four major cities police arrested 350 people. Police say they were extremely busy but the described the situation as manageable. Riot police had to be deployed in all four major cities.

Most arrests, over 150, were made in Rotterdam, where police were out in force, following last summer's beach riot. Incidents were reported throughout the country. In The Hague, two policemen were injured when a firework landed in their van. In Groningen, two officers who were trying to put out a bonfire were injured when onlookers pelted them with firecrackers.
 
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