AGI – An iron fist in Belgium against bicycle thieves, a problem that affects at least 30,000 cyclists per year in this relatively relative country (around 11 million inhabitants) based on regularly reported cases alone.
But the “recipe” for reducing the number of thefts – an essentially unpunished crime, also because it is difficult to prosecute across Europe – thanks to the inauguration of the new Justice Minister last October, Paul Van Tigcheltcould change this situation drastically.
Police can use “bait wheels” indefinitely to track down thieves https://t.co/EXewY316cD
— The Brussels Times (@BrusselsTimes) January 12, 2024
In Belgium, one of the EU's pioneering countries for sustainable mobility, the police announce Brussels times – “Can now use decoy bikes without restrictions to find thieves.” Thanks to Minister Van Tigchelt and Belgian lawmakers, much of the cumbersome bureaucracy that has effectively tied the police's hands has been eliminated, allowing the use of anti-theft systems Baiting is made much easier.
But what exactly are fake bikes?
These are “anonymous” bikes, meaning they have no special features other than being equipped with a well-hidden GPS tracking device. They are closed and parked on the street in various parts of the city. As soon as the bike starts moving, the GPS tracker alerts the police, who at this point only have to follow the “trail” of the thief driving the vehicle.
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Panel, bicycle theft is no longer a problem for the police
The method is not new in reality, but until today – explains the Belgian newspaper – the police could only use it by proving that they were involved in special operations against organized crime to achieve this the approval of the public prosecutor. Recent legislative changes have made bait bikes more accessible to police. And according to experts, this gives hope for a future in which the crime of theft and grand theft is finally prosecuted and punished.
Needless to say, the Belgian “stunt” was quickly picked up by European newspapers: according to data updated this summer European Cyclists Association Every year they disappear into thin air in the EU-27 over 1.3 million bicycles. And that number may be a significant underestimate of the actual number of stolen bikes, according to statistics from various law enforcement agencies.
In short, the Belgian “recipe” against bicycle thieves could be of interest to more than one country! According to media reports, baitbikes have a direct impact on the prosecution of this type of crime and the punishment of the guilty: the caught thief must pay a fine of up to 400 euros in the event of theft. The penalties envisaged in the event of a relapse are unknown. But it's safe, most say The free use of “bait” by the police will also serve as a preventive measure and a tool of deterrence deter from committing the crime.
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