Big increase in theft cases in Belgium
It has been announced that there has been a very serious increase in theft cases in recent months, with rising prices and increasing financial difficulties in Belgium.
According to the statistics published by the Belgian media outlet La Derniere Heure, approximately 200 theft cases are recorded in the country per day.
In the first two months of this year, thefts increased by 115 percent in Antwerp, 92 percent in East Flemish and 90 percent in Limburg. In the capital Brussels, this increase was 32 percent.
Experts attribute the rise in theft cases to financial difficulties caused by the recent increase in energy and food prices.
"Professional thieves continue their operations in gangs, but we are starting to see more and more opportunistic thieves," said Maelle Charles, an official at the security company Verisure.
"Financial difficulties have increased with the decline in purchasing power. Some families cannot make it to the end of the month and may resort to theft. In Belgium, theft is not considered a very serious crime. Therefore, people may be inclined to steal," Charles said.
