Brussels Crime Fear Surges.. Alarming Safety Concerns Shake Belgium’s Capital

Brussels Crime Fear Rises Amid Growing Safety Concerns

Drugs use and drug dealing in Belgian neighborhoods have surged significantly since 2018, raising safety concerns especially in Brussels. What’s driving this alarming trend?

Marie Dupont5 hours agoLast Update : 5 hours ago

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Concerns about drugs and public safety are rising across Belgium, with new data revealing a sharp increase in neighbourhood drug-related issues. On 2025-05-23 14:45:00, officials presented findings showing that 20 percent of Belgians now report problems caused by drug use nearby, up from 15 percent in 2018. Drug dealing also bothers 17 percent of residents, a significant jump from 11 percent seven years ago.

6 Key Takeaways

Increase in neighborhood drug use and trade
Brussels residents report highest insecurity levels
Propose fusion of Brussels police zones
Advocate regional safety plan and collaboration
Emphasize cleanliness to reduce crime feelings
Prioritize comprehensive fight against drug crime

Feelings of insecurity vary widely across the country. Less than 10 percent of Belgians feel unsafe often, but this rises to 19 percent in Brussels, highlighting the capital’s ongoing challenges. Is the current policing structure equipped to handle these growing concerns? And what steps can improve safety and community trust?

These questions set the stage for urgent discussions on how Belgium can better tackle drug-related crime and public unease.

Fast Answer: Drug use and dealing in Belgian neighbourhoods have increased notably since 2018, with Brussels experiencing the highest insecurity levels, prompting calls for police zone mergers and stronger regional cooperation.

What does this rise in drug-related nuisance mean for Belgium’s security landscape? Experts stress the need for a unified approach to policing and community care:

Fragmented police zones in Brussels hinder effective responses, leading to plans for a single, integrated police zone.
Visible urban decay like vandalism and litter fuels feelings of insecurity and petty crime.
Collaboration between federal, local police, and justice departments is crucial for a coherent strategy.
Addressing drug violence requires combining law enforcement with public health and prevention efforts.

Brussels remains Belgium’s hotspot for insecurity, with nearly one in five residents often feeling unsafe, underscoring the capital’s complex social and criminal challenges.

Looking ahead, Belgium must prioritise coordinated actions that blend enforcement, community engagement, and urban renewal. Can stronger police integration and targeted prevention efforts restore safety and trust in Belgian neighbourhoods? The path forward depends on collective resolve and strategic innovation.