Police open ‘pop-up shop’ in Ixelles shopping arcade

Brussels police have opened a "pop-up police store" in the Galerie de la Toison d'Or in Ixelles at the request of mayor Christos Doulkeridis (Ecolo), hoping to increase visibility in the neighbourhood during the busier end-of-year shopping period.

Doulkeridis made the request following a shooting on 6 December on Avenue de la Toison d'Or, but the idea itself is not new. Police had a "Christmas Cop Pop-up Store" in the same space in the shopping arcade two years ago.

The space has now been redesigned as a meeting place for traders, local residents and other visitors.

“They can go there with all their questions, but it is not possible to lodge complaints in the premises itself,” a police spokesperson said.

“The Ixelles neighbourhood police will be back at the gallery on weekdays from 12.00 to 19.00. During weekends, it will be from 10.00 to 20.00.

"If the inspectors are on (foot) patrol, this will also be posted at the room itself, as well as their contact details, if any. In case of emergency, the emergency number 101 should still be called."

The project came about partly thanks to cooperation with the municipality of Ixelles, the Galerie de la Toison d'Or and the traders' association, police said, and the pop-up will remain open until Saturday 14 January.