Trouble in Brussels: rising Crime Grips Mont des Arts
BRUSSELS — May 9, 2024 — Concerns are escalating in Brussels as rising crime plagues the Mont des Arts district. Local businesses are reporting an increase in incidents of assault, harassment, and drug use, fostering a climate of fear among staff and clientele. The ongoing issues have prompted complaints, yet offenders often quickly return to the area, highlighting the need for action. Read on to learn more.
Trouble in Brussels: Rising Crime and Helplessness Grip Mont des Arts
A wave of unease is washing over the mont des Arts district in brussels, as local businesses report increasing incidents of assault, harassment, and drug use. Restaurateurs and café owners express growing concerns about the safety of their staff and the well-being of their clientele. The situation, they say, is driving away customers and creating a climate of fear.
A Daily Threat: First-Hand Accounts
The incidents are not isolated. Business owners describe a persistent pattern of disruptive behavior, often perpetrated by the same individuals. One restaurateur recounted a disturbing experience:
He comes almost every day. He tried to kick me the last time. Like that, without reason.
This sentiment is echoed by others in the area, painting a picture of a neighborhood under siege.
Did you know? The Mont des Arts (Kunstberg in Dutch) is a historic site in Brussels, known for its museums, gardens, and panoramic views. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, making the recent rise in crime particularly concerning.
Complaints Filed, But Problems Persist
Despite repeated complaints to the police, the situation remains largely unchanged. Restaurateurs have taken matters into their own hands,organizing communication channels to share data and footage of incidents with authorities. However, they report that offenders are often released quickly, only to return to the neighborhood and resume their disruptive behavior.
One coffee maker explained the frustration:
We thought it was a homeless at first, but no, he has an address according to the police. He has already assaulted tourists on our terraces, it harms our image. As soon as it comes, the staff are stressed, the tension rises.
The coffee maker also noted a visible increase in hard drug consumption, particularly crack cocaine, in the area over the past few years.
Official Response and Legal Limitations
Jean Spinette, bourgmestre (mayor) of Saint-Gilles, acknowledges the problem and confirms that numerous complaints have been filed. He stated:
The Midi Police Zone stopped one after several complaints, but it was released quickly.
Spinette attributes the issue, in part, to a lack of adequate facilities and legal constraints, adding:
You can’t stop someone without reason every time.
He also mentioned the possibility of implementing more restrictive measures, such as the “Nixon procedure,” but noted that these are rarely used due to their stringent requirements.
Pro Tip: The “Nixon procedure” refers to a specific legal framework in Belgium that allows for more stringent measures to be taken against individuals causing public disturbances.However, it requires considerable evidence and is subject to strict legal oversight.
Helplessness and a Call for Action
The prevailing sentiment among business owners is one of helplessness. A bar owner summarized the situation:
Nothing can be done, and the police either.
Spinette echoed this frustration, stating:
These people have all been arrested several times, but the judicial and medical system has returned them to us every time quickly.
He emphasized that similar problems are evident in municipalities across the region and urged the justice system to take action to prevent the constant release of these individuals.
