Crime in Belgium at all-time low, police figures suggest

Crime in Belgium has reached a "historic record" low - according to police figures released this week, which nonetheless show more reported cases of human trafficking, cyber crime and terror-related offences.

Local and federal police statistics released this week revealed that crime in Belgium dropped by 5.1% between 2015 to 2016.

In 2016, 870,655 crimes were officially recorded by police across Belgium - down from 917,526 in the previous year, and the first time the total has been below 900,000.

Household robberies fell 17%, the largest decrease, according to the figures. This was followed by thefts from companies, down 13.9%, and armed robberies down 12.3%.

However, these statistics were also matched by striking increases in human trafficking (45%), terrorism (25.3%) and cyber crimes (10.9%).

Interior Minister Jan Jambon said he was pleased with the general decrease in crime, but added: "Great efforts still need to be made to unmask criminals."