A new prevention centre encouraging community and combatting crime has opened in Saint-Gilles, near Brussels-Midi railway station.
Located on Rue de Mérode, the Maison de la Prévention will contain a Local Integrated Security Antenna (LISA), allowing locals to pose any security-related questions they have to a team of specialists.
The centre brings together all of Saint-Gilles' justice and security forces: peacekeepers, interpersonal conflict mediators, social workers, lawyers and more. Brussels-Midi police will also have office hours on site.
The initiative aims to foster links between the general public and security forces, encourage greater awareness of the services available to them and raise the same services' visibility in the municipality.
"The Maison de la Prévention is a local facility that improves access to services for citizens and increases safety in the neighbourhood," said Saint-Gilles Mayor Jean Spinette (PS). "The presence of the authorities is particularly important in the heart of the Bethléem neighbourhood, close to Brussels-Midi station."
On its inauguration day on Wednesday, the centre opened its doors to Saint-Gilles residents of all ages. The commune hosted presentation stands, activities, bouncy castles and table football.
Drug hotspots
Several areas in Saint-Gilles are known as drug "hotspots" for heightened drug dealing activity. Each spot is subject to reinforced police checks. Midi station is also managed by the 'Midi Plan' which seeks to crack down on drug dealing and drug consumption. Both initiatives have been criticised for stigmatising already socieconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
The building was renovated using funds from the regional agency safe.brussels.
