Expatica news

Belgian news in brief, 4 August 2005

Costal security cameras a success

The new ‘intelligent’ security cameras installed by the police in towns along the western part of the Flemish coast have proved a success. Ten crimes have already been solved as a direct result of the new cameras, which can recognise number plates and people’s faces. The cameras were installed a month ago in the towns of De Panne, Nieuwpoort and Koksijde. The cameras have helped solve crimes ranging from bicycle theft to assault and burglary and police plan to install another 12 cameras next year.

Most motorists speeding on Antwerp ring

Between 76 and 86 percent of motorists drive quicker than the permitted 70kmh on the Antwerp ring road. A month ago, the number of speeders was estimated at between 10 and 20 percent. In July, there were 2,918 speeding fines issued on the ring road, newspaper ‘Het Gazet van Antwerpen’ reported. The ring road is currently undergoing major reconstruction works.

Search for missing boy in river

Rescue authorities were searching on Thursday afternoon for a 12-year-old boy who fell into the Dender River at Wieze in East Flanders. The boy was travelling on his father’s inland shipping vessel when he fell into the water. A special ship with sonar equipment was called in to assist search efforts.

Bomb alarm staffs traffic around Brussels South

A bomb alarm brought traffic to a standstill between 1.30pm and 3pm around the Brussels South train station on Thursday. No vehicular, bus, train or tram traffic was possible throughout the alert. Police were alerted to a suspect suitcase in the covered section of street outside the station, but the bomb disposal squad DOVO found no explosives in the suitcase.

Farmer beauty contest abandoned

The election for the most handsome farmer in Flanders will not go ahead this year due to a lack of candidates. However, organiser Field Communication said the contest for the most beautiful farmeres will proceed. The candidates will be given practical tests at the Oud Landelijk Fest in Vivenkapelle, but only seven male farmers were nominated. The contest is designed to boost the image of farmers in Flanders.

[Copyright Expatica News 2005]

Subject: Belgian news