Belgium’s Crime Landscape: A Mixed Bag
According to the latest figures from the Belgian Federal Police, the country witnessed a decline in overall crime rate in 2021. However, experts warn that these numbers may not reflect the actual extent of crime in Belgium.
Overall Crime Rate Decreases
The police registered just under 867,000 crimes last year, a decrease compared to previous years. The most common types of crimes committed in Belgium in 2021 were:
- Theft
- Extortion
- Crimes against public health (likely linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions)
Trends in Property Crime
Property crime declined significantly between 2009 and 2021, with:
- Burglaries decreasing from around 70,000 cases in 2009 to just over 44,000 in 2021
- Vehicle theft also dropping during this period
However, debit card fraud and extortion figures fluctuated wildly, with:
- Card fraud cases ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 between 2008 and 2021
Emerging Concerns: Cybercrime and Extortion
Cybercrime has emerged as a growing concern in Belgium, with cases multiplying between 2008 and 2021. In 2021, there were over 47,600 reported cybercrimes, including:
- Computerized forgery
- Fraud
- Hacking
- Sabotage
Experts warn that the rise of cybercrime poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in Belgium.
Other Notable Trends
Belgium’s drug-related crimes have been on a downward trend since 2019, with possession offenses decreasing from 47,200 cases in 2019 to 40,900 cases in 2021. Similarly, alcohol abuse cases filed by the police decreased from around 21,000 annually between 2012 and 2019 to just over 16,200 in 2021.
Conclusion
While Belgium’s overall crime rate has decreased, experts warn that these numbers may not reflect the actual extent of crime in the country. The rise of cybercrime poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies, which must adapt to new technologies and strategies to combat these crimes.