Brussels, February 7, 2025 – The municipality of Anderlecht has announced an unprecedented increase in police presence in response to a series of violent shootings linked to drug-related crime.
The measure, revealed on Friday, follows a string of four shootings in three days, raising concerns over escalating gang violence in the area.
Representatives from the six local police zones and the Brussels Federal Police Coordinator convened to assess the deteriorating security situation.
In response, a coordinated visibility operation has been launched, operating around the clock under the leadership of the chief of the Midi police zone.
“This exceptional measure was essential to mobilize all available police forces due to the severity of the situation,” said Anderlecht Mayor Fabrice Cumps in a statement. “We are working closely with all relevant authorities to restore safety and prevent further violence.”
Expanded Police Deployment
The initiative will see all personnel from the Midi police zone deployed, reinforced by 18 federal police officers.
These forces will provide additional security at key hotspots, including the Clemenceau metro station and the busy Midi station, both identified as high-risk areas for drug-related crime.
Furthermore, the Brussels-Capital-Ixelles Police (Polbru) will contribute a minimum of five teams for continuous support. Specialized units trained to handle heavy weapon incidents will be dispatched across all police zones in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Targeting High-Risk Areas
Friday morning saw yet another shooting at the Peterbos estate in Anderlecht, an area already struggling with gang violence and illicit drug activity. Police swiftly responded to the scene as part of their enhanced patrol strategy.
In addition to increasing police visibility, authorities have emphasized intelligence-led operations, aiming to dismantle organized crime networks responsible for the recent surge in violence. Regular evaluations will be conducted to adjust deployment strategies according to the evolving security threat.
Community Concerns and Response
Residents of Anderlecht have expressed deep concerns over their safety, with some calling for long-term solutions beyond increased policing.
“We hear gunshots at night, and it’s terrifying,” said a local shop owner near Clemenceau metro station. “We need more than just police patrols—we need real action against these criminal groups.”
Authorities acknowledge that while heightened police presence is a necessary immediate response, broader efforts are required to address the root causes of the violence.
Mayor Cumps reiterated that the municipality is working on community-driven initiatives and preventive measures alongside law enforcement efforts.
A Regional Effort
The extraordinary mobilization of security forces is made possible through the joint efforts of the federal police, Brussels-Capital police, and the four other local police zones in the Brussels region.
Officials stress that collaboration between different agencies is crucial in tackling drug-related crime effectively.
The situation remains dynamic, with authorities pledging continuous monitoring and swift adaptations to the security plan as needed.
For now, the people of Anderlecht can expect a heightened police presence as efforts intensify to curb the violence gripping their community.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
