Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Residents of Mechelen’s Mahatma Gandhi neighborhood have reported alarming explosions over two consecutive nights, prompting concern and police investigation.
A homemade firebomb was thrown at the front door of the same property after pyrotechnics were originally set off at a car.
“The police have a heightened presence,”
says acting mayor Sabe De Graef (Vooruit).
“Both incidents targeted the same address. No injuries were reported, and we are currently actively searching for suspects,”
says Kristof Aerts of the public prosecutor’s office.
After the initial incident, police had already increased surveillance in the neighborhood.
“Yet, the following night, another bomb was thrown at the front door. This caused damage to the house itself,”
said acting mayor Sabe De Graef.
The police are therefore deploying additional officers.
“The community officer is now permanently present, and the rapid response team will also be patrolling the neighborhood tonight,”
says De Graef.
The city is also sending a counselor to the neighborhood, whom residents can contact with questions.
“We want everyone to feel safe. That’s why the social worker from Woonland, the region’s social housing company, is also present. They can, if necessary, guide people to victim support.”
Additionally, a letter informing the public and requesting more information is being distributed by the police.
The Belgium city of Mechelen is making significant investments in BINs, or neighborhood information networks. The goal is to double the number of BINs by the end of this administrative term.
In such a situation, the city believes a BIN would be an added value.
“This neighborhood doesn’t yet have an information network; otherwise, communication with residents would always take place through that channel,”
says De Graef.
“We will soon be meeting with all the neighborhoods, and we will certainly discuss this with the residents of the Gandhi neighborhood.”
What additional security measures are being planned or implemented to protect residents in the neighborhood?
The acting mayor Sabe De Graef has confirmed that police have increased their presence in the neighborhood as an immediate response to the security threat, aiming to deter further incidents and reassure residents.
Heightened police patrols and surveillance in the area. Ongoing investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible. Coordination between local law enforcement and municipal authorities for rapid response.
Possibly increased community engagement to encourage reporting of suspicious activities.
