Crime rate in Belgium: A country with moderate crime
Belgium: Crime Rates and Trends
Belgium maintains a moderate crime rate when compared internationally, slightly above the European Union average.
Crime Rate Development:
2022: Belgium experienced a 0.5% increase in its crime rate compared to the previous year.
Long-term trend: Since the 1990s, Belgium's crime rate has been decreasing, with a slight uptick in recent years.
Regional disparities: Crime rates in Brussels and other major cities tend to be higher than in rural areas.
Homicide Rate:
Belgium's homicide rate is relatively low compared to other European countries.
In 2021, the homicide rate stood at approximately 1.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.
For comparison: Germany (0.9), Austria (0.6), Switzerland (0.4), and the EU average (1.2).
Regional disparities exist, with Brussels having the highest rate and the province of Flanders the lowest.
The homicide rate has been gradually declining in recent years, attributed to improved policing and stricter gun control.
Common Crimes:
Theft: Particularly pickpocketing, is the most common crime.
Burglary: Residential burglaries are also frequent.
Fraud: Online and credit card fraud are on the rise.
Drug-related crime: Prominent in certain regions, especially Brussels and Antwerp.
Violent crime: Including assault and robbery, is relatively low.
Victimization and Perception:
Victims: Approximately 560,000 people in Belgium fell victim to a crime in 2022.
Fear of crime: The fear of crime is relatively high among the Belgian population, especially in urban areas.
Factors Influencing Crime Rates:
Social factors: Poverty, unemployment, and social inequality can contribute to crime.
Urban areas: Anonymity and social issues in cities can foster criminal activity.
Border location: Belgium's proximity to multiple countries can lead to increased crime due to easier cross-border criminal activities.
While Belgium's crime rate is generally manageable, it's essential to take precautions to protect yourself.
Travel guides for Belgium can be found here on Amazon!*
To summarize:
Belgium is a relatively safe country, but the crime rate has increased slightly in recent years.
Theft, burglary, and fraud are the most common crimes.
Regional differences and social factors play a role in the crime rate.
The crime burden on the population is relatively high.
Important note:
Crime statistics may be incomplete and do not fully reflect actual crime.
It is important to consider the crime rate in Belgium in an international comparison.
Before your trip, inform yourself about the current security situation in Belgium and take the usual precautions.
Despite the challenges, many people in Belgium are working to improve security. With a little caution and common sense, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant stay in Belgium.
Additional information:
Cybercrime is also on the rise in Belgium.
The Belgian government has announced various measures to combat crime, including strengthening the police, improving social conditions in disadvantaged areas, and combating terrorism.
Despite the challenges, many people in Belgium are working to improve security. With a little caution and common sense, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant stay in Belgium.
My Video from Antwerp:
Some more pics from Belgium on Gretchens Insta: