On Sunday evening, November 8th, a residents' meeting took place in Kortenberg for the inhabitants of Brouwerijstraat and the surrounding area. During this meeting, Politie HerKo explained their approach, and residents could discuss their concerns with the college of mayor and aldermen and the police.
Politie HerKo is strengthening surveillance in Kortenberg and receiving temporary support from the federal police. Police teams are conducting targeted surveillance, with extra attention to the affected neighborhood and the Leuvensesteenweg. Community police officers will also be more visible, conducting daily school supervision at the nearby school ‘De Regenboog’. To increase intervention capacity, an intervention team will depart from the police station in Kortenberg indefinitely. The police are also exploring the possibility of a neighborhood information network in the center. In the coming weeks, the federal police's intervention corps will provide daily support in the incident area. Residents of Brouwerijstraat, Karterstraat, and Kerkstraat will receive a letter detailing the services of the police zone’s ‘Victim Support’ department.
Safety is a crucial pillar of the Kortenberg municipal council's policy. Within the zonal security plan 2026-2031, theft, drugs, and nuisance are identified as priority issues. The annual winter action plan ‘Samen Tegen Inbraak!’ (Together Against Burglary!) includes additional patrols and checks, including on public transport in collaboration with De Lijn. Residents are urged to report suspicious situations immediately via emergency number 101. From the first half of 2027, ANPR cameras will be installed at the entrances of the HerKo police zone to improve crime detection rates and prevent crime. A police phenomenon team is proactively working on theft, drugs, and nuisance.
The multi-year plan of Gemeente Kortenberg includes structural measures for safety. A Prevention and Emergency Planning Coordinator will be appointed, the number of community wardens will double to four, and an additional part-time youth worker will be hired. Youth will have a dedicated meeting place. A liaison officer will maintain contact with parents of schoolchildren with a different home language. The crisis communication plan will be expanded, and a volunteer corps has been established. Municipal infrastructure will be secured with updated camera surveillance. There is an integrated approach to illegal dumping and litter, and public lighting is being converted to LED. Cybersecurity resilience will be strengthened with support from a CISO and DPO.
The municipal council urges residents to stay in contact, support each other, remain calm, and stay vigilant. Any suspicion of suspicious activities, situations, or persons should be reported immediately to the police by calling 101.
