The measure comes after a series of violent incidents in Ostend, including a fatal stabbing and a shooting in broad daylight. According to Mayor John Crombez (Vooruit Plus), it is important that the police can intervene quickly.
“Sometimes the police see suspicious behavior in parks or squares, often linked to drugs or weapons possession. Then they must be able to search immediately to prevent dangerous situations,” says Crombez. “Ostend needs that. We must tackle nuisance, drugs and crime decisively. That is why the decision runs for a year, so that the summer months are also included.”