The number of burglaries across the Brussels-Capital Region decreased last year compared to the year before, according to figures from the different police zones.
The Brussels Times requested figures about the number of burglaries that took place in all six police zones last year. In each of them, the number had fallen compared to the year before.
In the Brussels West police zone (Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Jette, Koekelberg, Ganshoren and Berchem-Sainte-Agathe), the number of burglaries fell by 8% compared to 2023 – and by 27% compared to 2019. "This decrease is a positive sign and shows that joint efforts by residents, police and municipalities are paying off."
Theft in homes and outbuildings was one of the priorities in the Brussels West police zone's 2020-2025 Safety Plan. In 2024, there were 1,161 burglaries in the five municipalities covered by the police zone, compared to 1,243 in 2023. In nearly half (48%) of the registered cases, the burglars were unsuccessful. "In general, the loot mainly consisted of jewellery, multimedia devices and money."
'Lowest in ten years'
In the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone, the number of burglaries in people's homes fell sharply, by 19%. This figure is similar to the decrease recorded by the Brussels North police zone (Schaerbeek, Evere, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode).
A total of 884 burglaries were reported to the North police zone last year – a 17% drop compared to 2023. "Except during the Covid-19 period, this is the lowest number of residential burglaries in the past ten years," said spokesperson Audrey Dereymaeker.
Since 2018, the zone has been working with a 'Fight against residential burglaries' action plan, similar to the one in the Brussels West zone. "This includes operational actions, staff training, and awareness-raising among police officers and the population. We also offer free, on-site prevention advice and free holiday supervision."
While the south of the Capital Region has been plagued by shootings in recent months, the number of burglary reports by the Brussels Midi police zone (Anderlecht, Saint-Gilles, Forest) decreased as well. "2,176 burglaries were recorded in 2024, compared to 2,226 in 2023 – a slight decrease," said spokesperson Rhizlane Sousou.
Illustration picture shows a police surveillance cameras. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
In the Marlow police zone (Uccle/Watermael-Boitsfort/Auderghem), a total of 1,064 residential burglaries – of which 397 were attempts – were recorded in 2024, down from 1,154 residential burglaries (including 445 attempts) the year before.
"It is interesting to note that there is an 8% drop from 2023 to 2024," said spokesperson Laurent Masset. "If we compare the figures from 2024 to those of 2022, we see an even bigger decrease of 27%."
Lastly, with 816 burglaries in 2024 compared to 862 the year before, the Montgomery police zone (Etterbeek/Woluwe-Saint-Pierre/Woluwe-Saint-Lambert) recorded a small drop as well. While not counted in the data, it was in this police zone that Carmel D. – the wife of Goodyear chief Chris Delaney – was murdered during an alleged burglary in March this year.
"The decrease is encouraging, but citizens should remain alert. Burglars are still looking for weak spots," the police said. "Tips such as good locks and fittings, lighting with a sensor and reporting suspicious situations remain very important. If you notice anything suspicious, contact the police."
