The federal highway police have sent a report to the Minister for the Interior, Jan Jambon (New Flemish Alliance) about the lack of staff on account of the terrorist threat. Het Laatste Nieuws and De Morgen have been able to consult the report indicating that this “has not happened in an appropriate way.”
The federal police state, “We have too few staff to ensure that prosecutions take place when the ANPR system kicks in (automatic number plate recognition, editors note).”
In addition, ageing equipment has not permitted the terrorist threat to be adequately monitored, whilst the reduced number of patrols has seen a re-emergence of some offences, which had previously entirely disappeared.
Incidences of cargo theft have even been reported in the Liège province.
On September 1st, the lack of staff numbers reached a proportion of 23.5%. Hence, the fight against fatal accidents is also under threat, and an increase in figures is even feared “if no short-term measures are taken.”
The report offers solutions, in particular an end to commandeering highway police for other tasks.
The Minister's Office has indicated that it is aware of the problem and is seeking solutions.
The Brussels Times
