Security in Brussels’ Northern Quarter stepped up, 24/7 police presence

An additional budget of €1.5 million allocated for security in the Northern Quarter is providing 24/7 police presence on the streets as well as a raft of other security measures, announced Saint-Josse mayor Emir Kir.

The municipality’s beefed-up plan to improve safety on its streets includes 12 additional law enforcers operating a night shift from 17.00-2.00. A current workforce of 25 assists police forces in the city-centre district.

The municipality is also temporarily prohibiting the number of people gatherings around night shops and cafes to reduce public nuisance and drug trafficking. The two-month orders can be renewed, according to the mayor.

He appealed to federal and regional governments to help improve safety in the area by tackling social issues such as homelessness and migration.

The new measures are a response to an increase in acts of violence linked partly to drug activity and growing precariousness. Over the past few months alarming statistics have highlighted the rise in insecurity. Residents took to the streets at the end of March, demanding action from the relevant authorities. A series of meetings between the public and the municipality ensued.

Mayor Kir outlined security measures and action, including the redirection of traffic to deter offences by passing vehicles, the removal of badly parked scooters, the hosing down of streets and the provision of public toilets and rest areas for the homeless. He also referenced ongoing construction projects on Place Saint-Lazarre and at the top of Rue Brabant.

Schaerbeek mayor Cécile Jodogne has called for a broader support system for Saint-Josse. She proposed more solidarity between the two municipalities to establish a “global and coherent plan for greater security in the Northern Quarter” to enhance the effectiveness of the measures.

Photo: (c)Belga