Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Augustusfoor fair in Turnhout adds lights, security, and extra police under Mayor Hannes Anaf’s “Safe City” plan after youth nuisance concerns, aiming to boost safety for thousands of visitors.
As VRT News reported, the Augustusfoor fair in Turnhout is adding more police patrols for safety this year. The fair has moved from the Grote Markt to Turnova. Extra lights have been installed, old factory buildings are now closed off, and the police are working closely with community wardens and a private security team.
What is being done to improve safety at Turnhout’s Augustusfoor fair?
Mayor Hannes Anaf has made city safety a key priority. The police team has grown with more neighbourhood officers and a youth officer. These steps are part of the “Turnhout, Safe City” plan. The plan includes bike patrols, improved lighting, and campaigns to curb petty crime and nuisance.
“We received signals from catering establishments that large groups of young people were walking around the fair, causing an unpleasant feeling and a nuisance,”
Says Mayor Anaf.
Mayor Hannes Anaf said he went to the August fair on 2 evenings and noticed what he called a “strange atmosphere.” He saw groups of very young people on fat bikes causing trouble. Because of this, he ordered all police officers on duty to patrol the fair without fixed tasks.
A serious fight broke out just before the August fair started, leaving a fairground vendor badly injured. Police in Turnhout are looking into the case but say it happened before the fair was open. Mayor Hannes Anaf said the decision to add more patrols is not linked to that fight. He explained that the extra security is meant to deal with the overall environment at the fair and to answer long-standing concerns from residents about safety, not because of one incident.
The Augustusfoor is a popular summer fair in Turnhout that draws large crowds with rides, food stands, and shows. In recent years, safety has become a bigger concern, especially at night when groups of young people gather, sometimes causing trouble or small fights.
In response, the city has worked on stronger police patrols, better lighting, and other safety steps. Officials mentioned that the “Turnhout, Safe City” plan, made with help from residents, aims to keep events like the Augustusfoor safe and welcoming while dealing with the causes of nuisance and unsafe behaviour.
