Brussels police carried out a surprise crackdown on crime at Brussels-Midi station on Saturday morning, Le Soir reports. More than 30 arrests were made.
The Brussels-Midi police zone, alongside offices from four other Brussels police zones, the railway police, and the immigration office sprang into action this morning. Up to 200 officers descended on the station, conducting checks and acting to improve the security and sanitation of the station.
The surprise raid comes as the station faces increasing criticism for its lawlessness and high levels of criminality. There is the same level of crime in Brussels-Midi as 13 major Flemish stations combined, statistics show, and the dangerous station is giving Belgium a bad reputation as it is often the first port of call for foreign visitors.
In 2020 and 2021, some 3,500 crimes were reported around the station by the local municipality, with travellers repeatedly facing thefts. The sale of drugs around the station is also problematic.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo promised to personally help alleviate the situation, appointing specialised coordinators to oversee the mission to improve the station. On Friday, the Federal Government announced its plans to tackle insecurity at the station, spurred by negative press and growing pressure. New security plans will be drawn up to improve security in the long-run.
During the crackdown, police reportedly targeted the homeless and mentally unstable population in the grounds of the station and the surrounding area. Numerous arrests were made, and other suspects were sent to the Foreigners Office for immigration offences. Several people were sent to Belgian social services.
The crackdown allowed for the station to be significantly cleaned. Police were followed by cleaning crews from the municipalities of Saint-Gilles and Anderlecht, as well as regional cleaning services. These professionals helped remove items such as mattresses and tents, and also cleaned away mess associated with rough sleepers.
