Suspicious behaviour in Belgian seaports can from now on be reported anonymously on the new 'PortWatch' reporting point, the country's latest tool in the fight against organised crime.
Criminal activities in Belgian ports take many different forms and include drug smuggling, unauthorised persons and vehicles, holes in fences or access badges being passed on. From 6 March, anyone – from port staff, truck drivers and ship crews to pleasure boaters and casual passers-by – who sees or hears something suspicious can anonymously report it on PortWatch.be.
"It is clear that if we want to reduce organised crime in our ports, we need all eyes and ears on the ground. Every suspicious act or strange presence that is reported can contribute to the detection and prosecution of criminal networks," said Paul Van Tigchelt, Federal Minister for Justice and the North Sea.
The platform aims to provide an answer to the current fragmentation and gaps in reporting points in Belgium, resulting in criminals slipping through the cracks. "PortWatch is an accessible way to make this possible in all Belgium's ports and quickly pass on information to the right services."
One integrated reporting point
Today, various hotlines already exist but they are aimed at specific forms of crime – such as drug smuggling, for example – but also at specific target groups and for different locations. Now, all these reporting points will be integrated into the new PortWatch platform.
On PortWatch.be, people can report any suspicious situation, regardless of which port they are in – making it extra handy and recognisable for those who visit different ports, such as truck drivers.
As tackling organised crime requires cooperation between governments and companies but also with citizens, an anonymous reporting point is "essential to share the necessary information securely," Governor of East Flanders Carina Van Cauter pointed out. "Without security, there can be no prosperity. Investing in safe ports is crucial for the prosperity of our region."
PortWatch not only provides greater clarity for those reporting suspicious activity but also ensures uniform treatment of reports: all reports end up at the police district information crossroads (AIK), which dispatches the report to the competent service.
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This uniform treatment will also optimise the information flow and allow connections to be made later. If a report is made about a suspicious car in the port of Antwerp, for example, it will now be easier to link it to similar reports in other ports.
"In recent years we have gradually strengthened the legislation on maritime security. We gave both federal services and companies more options to combat organised crime, such as drug smuggling," said Peter Claeyssens, Director General of Shipping. "PortWatch is a logical next step. I call on everyone to report suspicious situations. Together, we aim for safe ports."
Importantly, the 101 emergency number remains applicable for urgent calls and emergencies.
