The Foreign Office has updated its guidance for those looking to travel to Belgium, with tourists warned that pickpocketing is ‘very common’ in busy areas of the country
UK tourists flocking to take in the winter wonders of Belgium’s renowned Christmas markets have been dealt a blow by the Foreign Office, which has slapped an urgent warning for Brits heading to the festive hotspot.
The Government’s travel gurus at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have revamped their “Safety and Security” advice following increased concerns over pickpocketing and theft as the Christmas bustle intensifies.
The FCDO cautioned: “Theft and pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Take care of your baggage and passports and beware of any attempts to distract you.”
“Take extra care in major railway stations and on public transport, particularly late at night.
“Thieves, pickpockets and muggers operate in busy areas, and there have been cases of violent robbery. Be aware of your surroundings.”
Especially worrying are the hotspots cited by officials, including Brussels Gare du Midi/Zuidstation (Eurostar terminal) and Brussels Nord, with international trains, notably the Paris-Brussels and Amsterdam-Brussels routes, also pegged as potential danger zones. They didn’t stop at just raising the red flag but also dished out practical advice, reminding Brits: “Never leave luggage unattended”, reports the Express.
“Luggage has been stolen from the racks at the end of carriages in high-speed trains (TGV and Thalys), usually just before the doors close.”
The alert went on: “Thieves, usually on motorbikes, can break a car window and snatch valuables from the front or back passenger seat when a vehicle is stationary at traffic lights. If you see anything suspicious, report it to local police authorities.”
The caution comes as Brit holidaymakers in Italy are briefed on major “crimes” with Rome set to greet millions for the Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, spanning from December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026.
The event is celebrated every 25 years with the last being in 2000. Jubilee years have been held on regular intervals in the Catholic church since 1300, however roots of the event have been traced back to the Jewish tradition of marking a jubilee year every 50 years.
According to the Vatican’s official website for the jubilee, it will “officially open on December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord’s Birth inside the Basilica.
“It will be possible to follow the event only through the giant screens installed in St. Peter’s Square.”
Throughout 2025, many events will be hosted for the jubilee, with this year’s theme centring on Peregrinantes in Spem (Pilgrims in hope).
To find out more about the jubilee, visit the Vatican’s official website for it.
