Stringent checks in Antwerp following grenade blasts
Antwerp has experienced a first night of stricter police checks following the spate of grenade explosions in recent weeks. During the night 78 vehicles were checked. Police looked into the identity of 82 people.
The extra security is in force in the Park Spoor Noord area of the city where most of the attacks linked to drug trafficking occurred. Mayor Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist) has announced extra police patrols, more ID checks and camera surveillance to make people feel safer and deter criminals from carrying out acts of violence.
VRT News experienced the first stricter checks in the Park Spoor Noord area last night. People driving around suspiciously are stopped, their ID is checked. If there is any thought the vehicle is carrying anything dangerous sniffer dogs are brought in.