Fewer robberies in Brussels, except in Dansaert

The number of armed robberies in the area of Brussels City and Ixelles/Elsene is on the decline, with 49 incidents so far in 2014, reports brusselnieuws.be. That is less than the previous year, and significantly less than several years ago. In 2009, for example, there were 191 reported armed robberies in the area. The district around Rue Dansaert/Danssaertstraat is an exception, police say.

So far in 2014, there have been 49 armed robberies in Brussels City and Ixelles/Elsene, considerably less than in previous years. The police have made the area a priority, with "constant patrolling, and specialised investigative work," said Brussels police commissioner Ilse Van de Keere.

The Dansaert district is an exception, with six robberies so far this year already. Apple Dealer Easy-m was particularly targeted, and decided to close its doors permanently after two robberies.

"There is little traffic in the Dansaert district, which unfortunately lends itself to this kind of crime," said Van de Keere.