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Common in Belgium

Scam in BelgiumTheft

Pickpocketing in Belgium

Busy places, especially major train and metro stations in Brussels.

How it works

Someone takes a wallet, phone or other small item without you noticing. Pickpocketing is common in Brussels. Basic precautions are also advised in Leuven.

Warning signs

  • A busy space where people can get close to your pockets or bag.
  • Your phone or wallet is easy to reach in an open bag or pocket.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds.
  2. Keep your phone and wallet in a secure pocket.
  3. Check your belongings before leaving a station or boarding a train.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe. Block stolen cards, secure your phone accounts and report the theft to police.

  1. Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive seller.
  2. Call 112 if anyone is hurt, threatened or in immediate danger.
  3. Block stolen cards promptly. Contact your card issuer about any payment you believe was fraudulent.
  4. If your phone was stolen, use its lost-device tools and secure important accounts.
  5. Report the incident to police. Keep receipts, payment records, photos and a written account of what happened. Ask for a report reference.
  6. Contact your insurer if you have cover. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
Where it happensBusy places, especially major train and metro stations in Brussels.Brussels, Leuven

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in BelgiumTheft of unattended belongings: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing scam in Belgium?

Someone takes a wallet, phone or other small item without you noticing. Pickpocketing is common in Brussels. Basic precautions are also advised in Leuven.

How can I spot it early?

A busy space where people can get close to your pockets or bag. Your phone or wallet is easy to reach in an open bag or pocket.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in Belgium?

Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep your phone and wallet in a secure pocket. Check your belongings before leaving a station or boarding a train.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe. Block stolen cards, secure your phone accounts and report the theft to police.

Where in Belgium does this happen?

Busy places, especially major train and metro stations in Brussels. It has been reported in Brussels, Leuven.

How common is this scam in Belgium?

Common. Belgium is generally safe, but pickpocketing and petty theft are common in Brussels. Other concerns include bicycle theft, unattended belongings being stolen, tourist-trap diamond shops in Antwerp and pushy sweet sellers in Ghent.

Are there similar scams in Belgium?

Yes: theft of unattended belongings, bicycle theft.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, fire or medical help. In Brussels, it works from a mobile phone even without a SIM card. Police: report theft or suspected fraud at a police station. The police number given for Antwerp and Leuven is 101. Antwerp police, non-urgent inquiries: call 0800/12312 free of charge for a non-urgent inquiry or help finding the nearest police station. Leuven local police: call +32 16 21 06 11, or 016 21 06 11 from a local landline. The city centre police station is next to City Hall at Grote Markt. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a stolen card and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: use the contact details on your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for your claim.

What number do I call in an emergency in Belgium?

Emergency services: police, fire and ambulance: 112, Police assistance, listed for Antwerp and Leuven: 101.

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