Fewer armed robberies in first half of 2004

20 October 2004

BRUSSELS – The number of armed robberies in Belgium decreased by a fifth in the first half of 2004 compared to the same period a year ago, it was reported Wednesday.

A study by Flemish daily Het Laatste Nieuws found the greatest decline, of 59 percent, concerned hold ups in armed robberies in trams and buses.

Armed robberies at betting parlours fell by 55 percent those at post offices by 45 percent.

As for geographical differences, the decline in armed robberies occurred mainly in large cities such as Antwerp, which registered a 36 percent decline, and Namur, where armed robberies fell 36 percent.

In Brussels, the decline was only 9 percent.

The only black spot was Charleroi, where 254 armed attacks were reported in 2004 compared to 247 in 2003.

Subject : Belgian news