Brussels steps up policing for New Year's Eve
The six Brussels police zones will deploy additional resources across the capital on New Year’s Eve, VTM Nieuws and Het Laatste Nieuws reported on Friday evening.
As in previous years, a unified command structure will be implemented to ensure a smooth transition into the new year. The Brussels Capital–Ixelles police zone will lead the overall coordination. Operations will be directed from the regional crisis centre in close cooperation with the federal police.
The crisis centre will be staffed by liaison officers from all six Brussels police zones, and representatives from the fire brigade, emergency medical services, public transport operators, and public prosecutors.
For every reported fire, the police and fire services will jointly assess the need for police escorts for fire engines. Compared with last year, the police will deploy more staff and equipment, particularly in areas where disturbances previously escalated. Five residents of Brussels and one resident of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert are also placed under house arrest.
New Year’s Eve has long been a challenging night in Brussels. Last year, the police made 159 administrative and judicial arrests, while the fire brigade responded to around thirty vehicle fires. Several buses and trams operated by STIB/MIVB were also damaged. Police officers and emergency crews were repeatedly pelted with objects and, in some cases, targeted with fireworks, with four officers sustaining minor injuries.
Despite the heightened security, the city will again host free public celebrations this year. A large fireworks display is scheduled to take place at the Atomium at midnight, preceded by DJ sets and 3D laser mapping from 11.40 pm. The Grand Place and the Winter Wonders festival, which runs until 4 January, are also expected to draw large crowds. Public transport will be free throughout the night.
© BELGA PHOTO AND VIDEO HATIM KAGHAT