Roeselare (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Roeselare held its 1st Prevention Market at ’t Schuurtje on October 18, 2025, with over 30 residents joining. Mayor Kris Declercq (CD&V) promoted community safety and cooperation.
As VRT News reported, Roeselare held its 1st Prevention Market this morning, Oct 18, 2025, at the ’t Schuurtje community centre. They mentioned that the event brought residents and safety services together to share practical information on how to stay safe at home and in the neighbourhood.
Participants were informed about the different aspects of burglary prevention, fire safety, and the functions of neighbourhood watch groups. Experts discussed how effective lighting, good locks, and attentive neighbours can aid in deterring burglaries.
What was the goal of Roeselare’s 1st Prevention Market?
The focus at the Prevention Market included cybersecurity, safe charging of electrical appliances, and bicycle theft. There were also scams. Passwords, personal data, and online safety were all discussed in detail. Cyclists learned about bike registration and safe lock practices.
“Safety starts on the street, with neighbours greeting each other and keeping an eye on things,”
said Mayor Kris Declercq (CD&V) at the first Prevention Market in the ’t Schuurtje community centre in Roeselare. He mentioned safety is not only the task of the police or fire services, but something that begins with residents themselves. The mayor mentioned that the city aims to get the residents more engaged in ensuring the safety and pleasantness of their streets.
The city considered the 1st edition of the Prevention Market a good start since more than 30 residents attended on its first day. The city is organising comparable markets in different neighbourhoods to allow more people to participate in the future.
Before the Prevention Market was opened in Roeselare, the city had already implemented a comparable community initiative. In September 2025, another project called Dialogue Maker was started in the Krottegem district. This involved a permanent community employee who was tasked with neighbour assembly and collaboration assistance concerning local issues. Previously, Roeselare had also started a project with the RIHO police zone in October 2022 aimed at domestic violence awareness and early support with victim assistance. This was the first project of its kind.
