Increased security presence in Bois de la Cambre after series of assaults

Brussels' Bois de la Cambre will see an increase in security patrols after a series of rapes and an overall increasing level of assaults.

A total of 30 assaults, including four rapes, have been recorded in the wood since the start of the year – four times more than last year.

The assaults take place mostly in the evenings and incidents have been concentrated mainly around the famous Jeux d'Hiver nightclub, located in the heart of the woods.

As well as a reinforced police presence, a care team is being set up on Thursdays and Saturdays, the nightclub's busiest days.

Jeux d'Hiver management said it was taking major steps to reassure and support its customers. The care team’s role is to help customers find a taxi, remind them not to go home alone and, if necessary, accompany them to a secure room within the establishment.

The care team is in constant contact with the existing Jeux d'Hiver security service and has also intensified its contacts with the Brussels police, who are now stepping up their presence around the woods during the evenings.

To improve the safety of the returns, electric golf buggies are also being made available to transport customers between the site and a newly-lit car park on Avenue Lloyd George.