Antwerp Mayor and N-VA leader Bart De Wever has ordered that 31 young people who "pose a significant risk of disturbing the peace" be placed under house arrest on New Year's Eve to prevent them from causing chaos.
De Wever undertook similar action last year, for the first time, putting 27 youths under house arrest to preempt disturbances during end-of-year celebrations. His initiative was positively received by locals and the city had indicated that it would be repeated.
The house arrest will be enforced from 17:00 on 31 December to 08:00 on 1 January. The youngsters, aged between 13 and 22, with an average age of 17 years, are mostly males. Only two females are involved.
According to De Wever's office, these people include known members of youth gangs from neighbourhoods such as Luchtbal and Sint-Andries, as well as areas around Opera Square and Central Station.
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"Each of these youths has a history of multiple recorded offences, some having been involved in dozens of incidents with the police this past year," the mayor's office confirmed, adding that the offences typically involve disruptive behaviour, fights, fireworks offences and arson, destruction and vandalism, weapon possession, and obstructing or harassing police officers.
"Those who qualify for preventative house arrest are not merely individuals who have been caught exploding a firecracker in public. They are actually known for severe offences and pose a significant risk of disturbing the peace on New Year's Eve, a time when security and emergency services are already stretched."
The police will enforce the house arrests and ensure compliance. Any youngster caught violating them may face arrest and a municipal fine of up to €350, not including penalties for any additional offences committed.
