Gistel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Gistel, Mayor Defreyne responds to rising youth violence. On August 28, 2025, a 16-year-old was seriously assaulted; police and schools increase monitoring, identity checks, and safety measures.
As VRT News reported, Gistel, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, is taking new measures following a recent case of violence among young people. The city council announced plans to prevent further violence. Mayor Defreyne said the city does not tolerate any misconduct.
Officials said most disturbances involve underage youths who gather in groups and roam the city at night. Often, young people from outside Gistel join these gatherings, increasing tensions. The council plans to increase police presence in busy areas and create programs to guide at-risk youth. Mayor Defreyne said Gistel wants to ensure safety while helping young people make better choices.
How is Gistel tackling youth violence after August 28 assault?
The police in Gistel are focusing on areas where the most problems happen. The city market and the local recreation area are identified as key spots. Officers will carry out intensive checks to monitor activity and respond to incidents quickly. Systematic identity controls will allow authorities to identify those causing trouble.
Police say these checks also work as a deterrent, helping prevent future disturbances. The city is working closely with local schools. Students who repeatedly disrupt activities or behave badly may lose the right to leave school during lunch breaks.
The city also plans to install extra cameras.
“We are also exploring the possibility of banning troublemakers from their premises. Gistel is and will remain a welcoming city. We will not allow a few young people to undermine that image with senseless violence and repeated nuisance.”
Mayor Defreyne
Last week, on August 28, 2025, a 16-year-old boy in Gistel was severely attacked by a group of idle youths. The assault occurred in a public square where local teenagers tend to congregate in the evenings. Authorities stated that the victim was badly injured and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment immediately.
Police have opened an investigation into the case and are carrying out identity checks to locate and identify those responsible. This incident comes after previous cases of youth violence in the city. This is not the first incident in the town. 6 months ago, images on social media showed 14- and 15-year-old boys hitting, kicking, and humiliating other youths at the sports site Zomerloos.
The pictures caused public concern and drew attention to the ongoing problem of youth misconduct. Residents and authorities said repeated incidents threaten safety and disturb the community.
