Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Ghent police will install temporary cameras at five locations from December 27 to January 2 to deter fireworks vandalism, following 24 arrests last New Year’s Eve, as concerns rise.
In Ghent, the police will set up temporary cameras at five locations from December 27 to January 2 to monitor the area and address issues with fireworks vandalism, which has been a problem during the end-of-year celebrations. Last year, a car was burned, and several bus shelters were damaged, leading to 24 arrests on New Year’s Eve to prevent further trouble. Police chief Filip Rasschaert expressed concerns about potential vandalism, violence, and harassment of emergency services, and he has called for stricter rules on fireworks sales.
Will Ghent’s temporary cameras effectively deter fireworks vandalism after 24 arrests?
Cameras will be installed in areas where problems have occurred in the past to help identify offenders. They can zoom in on faces and license plates, and those could face fines of up to 350 euros or legal action. The cameras will be placed in Bloemekenswik, Ledeberg, and Meulestede, with a new one on Tolhuislaan. A nuisance camera in Rabot will stay until January 15, but there won’t be a camera in Nieuw Gent this year.
The city needs to approve the police’s request for cameras, but that’s just a formality. In Ghent, fireworks are banned from October to January, except for New Year’s Eve from midnight to 1 a.m. with permission. Bombs and wish balloons are always banned. Some people still use fireworks, so Ghent made a film to show the dangers and held training for 350 young people. They also visited 13 homes to warn past offenders.
