2023-08-21 17:10:00
Drug trafficking, assaults, sexist remarks, feeling of insecurity… The acts committed in the Mons station district are still regularly the subject of complaints from citizens and tourists, while on the city side, the big means are deployed to redevelop the surrounding axes and give this part of the city center a more positive image. A policy of acquisition of free cells has also been carried out for several years with a view to taking control of the redevelopment of the premises.
Since taking office, the mayor Nicolas Martin (PS), has never hidden his intention to radically change the situation, making the fight against drug trafficking and insecurity one of his absolute priorities. This is how the Mons-Quévy police zone intensified its presence on the ground. The patrols, the canine brigade or the GASP, the proactive specialized support group, thus regularly carry out large-scale operations, ranging from the control of establishments to the systematic control of individuals and vehicles.
The police pressure seems to be bearing fruit since there has been a clear reduction in the number of facts denounced. “Since the implementation of the structural measures relating to the decree of the Mayor, three weeks of daily passages within the district of the station have passed. The teams in charge of these crossings are continuing their work. Thus the Security Task Force teams (GASP, Canine Brigade, Intervention and Cavalry Department), the Proximity Department, the PUMAS and the Regional Cycling Brigade patrol each day of the week according to different day and night time slots. ”
Over these three weeks, they recorded two PVs for assault and battery, one PV for simple theft, two PVs for damage, four PVs for drugs (possession or trade), three PVs for non-compliance with the ordinance relating to ban on consuming alcoholic beverages on public roads within the city walls, a ticket for threats and a ticket for a snatch robbery.
Despite encouraging figures, the city of Mons says it is well aware of the need to continue efforts. It is for this reason that at the end of July, the mayor signed an order prohibiting gatherings of more than five people in the district. The police services have been authorized to carry out systematic surveillance and control activities, both of vehicles and occupants as well as of people on the public road in the perimeter of the station area.
The system will remain in effect until at least September 30 and is subject to regular evaluations. “The station and its neighborhood have been problematic for twenty years. Stations and their surroundings are ideal places for traffic of all kinds and Mons is no exception”, regrets Nicolas Martin. “To the problem of drugs and insecurity have been added the presence of slum landlords and the opening of poor quality businesses, which is leveling down an entire neighborhood.”
As a result, the Mons station district concentrates more precarious populations. “The works at the station did not help because they interrupted the flow of passers-by, leaving the field open to traffickers. Control operations are bearing fruit, even if the problem is considered to have been moved rather than resolved. The customers are there and want to supply themselves. To solve the problem in a structural way, I remain convinced that we need to have a new reflection on the Belgian drug policy. Cannabis has become, for many, an everyday consumer product. Rethinking legalization and framing consumption could help us on the ground.”
For the mayor, it is also essential that the legislation evolves so that the municipal authorities can have more leeway in the face of slum landlords and unscrupulous traders. “Some are involved in money laundering but despite the doubts, it is complicated to act concretely. The situation is improving thanks to the measures already taken, but I cannot be fully satisfied with the situation.” Efforts will therefore continue both in terms of the fight against drugs and trafficking and in terms of controls on buildings and businesses.
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