Police in Sint-Niklaas, East Flanders, have broken up a juvenile gang that was active mainly in the vicinity of the station, where it harassed passers-by, especially young people.
The gang has been linked to more than 30 incidents, mostly 'steaming': threatening and humiliating other young people to obtain money.
The group had about 30 members, mostly minors, 19 of whom were arrested and questioned. Three ringleaders were arraigned before an investigating judge in Dendermonde.
Conditions were imposed on seven of the juveniles while the others, the youngest of whom was barely 12 years old, were given warnings.
Some members of the gang were also involved in an attack on a taxi driver.
All the youths involved are being monitored by the police.
