Expatica news

Illegal Weapons Possession Up

6 February 2007

BRUSSELS — Belgians own an increased number of forbidden weapons, the central police information bureau reported on Tuesday. 18-year-old Bart Bonroy from Ostend
was killed with an illegal knife last weekend.

In the first half of 2006, 3,985 persons were penalised in connection with illegal weapons. That is a significant increase in comparison to previous years. If the trend proves to have continued, the number of offences involving illegal weapons possession may reach 8,000 for the year as a whole.

The Ministry of Interior says it is unclear whether the situation with illegal weapons possession has become worse, or control has become better. 

Also, the number of weapons considered illegal has expanded since last year’s new legislation. It is too early to judge, however, if the stricter measures are efficient, the Ministry said, as the new legislation came into force in June last year.

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news