Artists are not the only ones who sometimes cause trouble in cities. A visit to the United States Department of State website reveals some startling information. On March 8, the American Embassy in Brussels warned that the Belgian police had heightened their level of alert due to a possible terrorist attack in the metro. As a result, American nationals in Belgium were advised to avoid crowded places and to be vigilant. This was expected.
However, what was surprising was the information provided further down the page. The focus of the document was on ordinary crime which was prevalent in Belgium. The article described common types of crime such as pickpocketing, theft from cars, and electronic device theft. Cities, especially Brussels, were singled out as being particularly dangerous with regards to crime. Even the insecurity in Brussels’ transportation system was mentioned.
The former Miss Belgium Noémie Happart expressed her concern about how Liège had become a ghost town with drug addicts prevalent in every street corner.
It was even more surprising that American citizens were advised to drive with their windows closed and doors locked, park their cars in garages or near lampposts, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches. Such warnings had prompted Donald Trump to describe Brussels as a “rat hole” in 2016.
The Canadian Foreign Affairs also issued similar advice to their citizens traveling to Belgium. They recommended maintaining a high level of caution with advice such as closed windows, locked doors when driving, etc. However, the website clarified that violent crimes were rare in Belgium. The Canadians were also impressed with the state of the roads in Belgium.
The British also warned their citizens of an increase in petty crime in Belgium. Stations in Brussels and the port of Antwerp were identified as notorious for drug-related crimes. Ostend was also identified as a crime hotspot by the Canadians.
Artists are not the only ones to sometimes let loose on cities. A little tour on the United States Department of State website could make you jump. On March 8, the American Embassy in Brussels mentions that the Belgian police have increased their level of vigilance because of a possible terrorist attack in the metro. The American authorities therefore recommend that their nationals in Belgium avoid crowded places and be vigilant around them. Nothing abnormal about that.
What is surprising, however, is the content of a tab a few lines below. These are recommendations addressed to the Americans. The document dwells at length on ordinary crime. And that’s hardly flattering. We read that delinquency is common in our country: pickpockets, theft from cars and electronic devices… This is particularly true in large cities, whether in public spaces or restaurants. Brussels is cited in full for insecurity in its transport.
The ex-Miss Belgium Noémie Happart curbs her last visit to Liège: “A ghost town and drug addicts who prick themselves on every street corner”
Even more surprising: American citizens are recommended to drive with their windows closed and their doors locked, to park their car in a garage or near a lamppost and to avoid carrying expensive jewelry and watches. Enough to pass off the expression “rat hole” used by Donald Trump in 2016 to describe Brussels for a compliment.
The Americans are not the only ones to draw up a somewhat worrying inventory of our country. Canadian Foreign Affairs is no exception. They also recommend the utmost caution to their citizens traveling to Belgium with the same advice (closed windows, locked doors, etc.), even if the website specifies that violent crimes are rare. On the other hand, the Canadians underline the excellent state of the roads in Belgium, enough to make smile more than one of our compatriots.
The British are in unison. They see an increase in petty crime here. Are pinned the stations in Brussels and the port of Antwerp for drugs. The Canadians add that of Ostend.
In conclusion, while Belgium may have a reputation as a charming and picturesque country, it is important for visitors to be aware of the potential risks and dangers, especially in larger cities. The warnings issued by foreign governments highlight the need for caution and vigilance, especially when it comes to petty crime and theft. However, it is also important to note that these warnings should not discourage travelers from exploring all that Belgium has to offer, from its beautiful architecture and rich history to its delicious cuisine and world-renowned chocolatiers. With a bit of common sense and street smarts, visitors can enjoy a safe and rewarding trip to this fascinating country.