Bierbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – January 17, 2026 – Police in the Bierbeek area deployed a helicopter on Friday evening to search for two suspicious persons. The operation focused on the neighbourhood around Korbeek-Lostraat, on the border between Korbeek-Lo and Bierbeek. The search lasted until approximately 22.30 hours.
Police initiated the aerial-assisted search in response to reports of two suspicious individuals in the vicinity. Local authorities from the relevant police zone mobilised the helicopter to cover the rural terrain effectively. Residents in the area reported hearing the low-flying aircraft circling overhead during the operation.
Incident Location and Timeline
The search concentrated on Korbeek-Lostraat, a street situated at the municipal boundary of Korbeek-Lo and Bierbeek in Flemish Brabant. This rural zone features fields and residential properties, complicating ground-based pursuits. The operation commenced in the evening hours and concluded around 22.30.
No immediate arrests were reported from the initial phase of the search. Police urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity. The deployment of aviation resources underscores the scale of the response to the reported sighting.
Police Resources Involved
Authorities utilised a police helicopter to scan the area from above, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. Ground units supported the aerial effort, patrolling the surrounding roads and fields. The police zone covering Bierbeek, which includes Boutersem, Holsbeek, and Lubbeek, coordinated the response.
Similar operations in nearby regions have previously involved helicopters for fugitive searches. In this instance, the focus remained on locating the two persons without specified details on their descriptions or suspected activities. The operation prioritised public safety in the residential vicinity.
Local Context in Bierbeek
Bierbeek falls under the police zone Bierbeek/Boutersem/Holsbeek/Lubbeek, responsible for law enforcement in these Flemish municipalities. The area experiences occasional police activities related to suspicious behaviour or minor crimes. Korbeek-Lostraat lies near the border with Korbeek-Lo, part of Leuven’s police jurisdiction.
Prior incidents in Bierbeek include shoplifting arrests and drug-related investigations. None directly link to this helicopter search, which stands as a distinct event. Local media outlets such as VRT NWS covered the development promptly.
Broader Pattern of Aerial Police Operations
Belgian police frequently employ helicopters in manhunts across Flanders. Recent examples include pursuits in Oosterzele for burglary suspects and Beringen following a high-speed chase. These operations often conclude with arrests aided by aerial surveillance.
In Herentals, a helicopter assisted in apprehending a drug-related suspect who fled a control. Lubbeek saw a similar deployment for home intruders in 2023. Such tactics prove effective in expansive rural landscapes like Bierbeek’s.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Residents near Korbeek-Lostraat noted the helicopter’s presence, prompting local inquiries on social media. Police communications emphasised cooperation from the public during active searches. No threats to the general population were indicated.
The police zone maintains a Facebook page for updates, though it clarifies non-permanent monitoring. Wijkkantoor in Bierbeek serves as a local contact point within the broader zone. Operations like this reinforce community policing in Flemish Brabant.
Historical Police Activities in the Region
Bierbeek has seen various law enforcement actions, including arrests for shop thefts at Carrefour parking. Two Moldavian nationals faced court after brutal shopliftings. Drug trade probes led to multiple detentions across locations including Bierbeek.
Helicopter use aligns with federal police capabilities for high-priority searches. No connection exists between this event and earlier 2025 raids in Schaerbeek or Jette. Verified reports limit details to the search’s scope and duration.
