During searches conducted during the night of Tuesday to Wednesday in Anderlecht, police uniforms were found. Vincent Gilles, the President of the Belgium’s Federal Police department says this is a discovery which is “undeniably worrying.” The police union, the CSC Police, say the fact that those suspected of participating in group terrorist activities are in the possession of uniforms “backs up the idea that we (the police, editor’s note) both are and continue to be specific targets.”
Vincent Gilles says that the discovery of uniforms may mean two things: the suspects were preparing to organise either an attack targeting the population, using a police action as their cover, or alternatively to attack a police station. The trade unionist says, “We’re absolutely right to be worried about it.”
Stéphane Deldicque, the Permanent Delegate of the CSC Police, says establishing where these uniforms came from is vital. He stated, “Are they copies or genuine uniforms? In the latter case, it is extremely worrying as they might have come either from a theft or by participation of those working within the police; the latter would be a very delicate situation.” He went on, “It is not reassuring for the police if criminals are managing to get hold of authentic equipment.”
Vincent Gilles states unequivocally that when a policeman discovers the loss of his uniform (trousers, jacket or other items), “he must report it.” He stresses, “Agents are highly aware, especially in the last two years, that this is not an insignificant issue.” However, if weapons are numbered, the uniform contains no item to enable identification to take place. Its origin can thus be difficult to trace.
A meeting will be held next Wednesday between representatives of the federal and local police and the Minister of Interior, Jan Jambon. Mr Deldicque states, “We will, in particular, discuss what has happened and see if measures can be put in place to avoid it happening again.”
The Brussels Times
