Extra police at Midi station after sharp rise in thefts

Belgian police have reinforced their presence around Brussels Midi station after a spate of crimes against passengers, from pickpocketing to violent muggings.

Since Monday, more officers are patrolling the station concourse and the surrounding area. A police memo leaked to RTL points to a 50-60% increase in property thefts at the station in recent months.

The memo reads: "It has been decided to reinforce the visible presence of the police at the Gare du Midi and its surroundings until further notice as a result of numerous thefts both inside and outside the station."

One police officer told RL: "There has been a resurgence of thefts and we are getting more and more complaints from travellers, especially around the Thalys terminal. Unfortunately we cannot have officers everywhere."

Shopkeepers in the station say thieves often distract passengers while they are shopping. "They have important items stolen," one trader said. "I saw one English customer who lost a wallet and three passports, including those of his children. He was a wreck."