Schaerbeek neighbourhood named crime 'hotspot' due to rise in violence

The Marbotin neighbourhood in the Brussels municipality of Schaerbeek will be designated a "hotspot" in the fight against drug-related violence from January 2026 onwards.

This means the area around Rue Adolphe Marbotin will receive a coordinated approach to tackling drugs, according to an announcement from mayor Audrey Henry (MR).

The neighbourhood was the scene of a fatal shooting on 7 November and is already subject to various temporary measures, such as a ban on gatherings of more than five people in public spaces and increased surveillance and identity checks.

The temporary security measures implemented by the police apply to the following streets in Schaerbeek: Chaussée d'Haecht (between house numbers 604 and 740), Rue du Tilleul (from number 234 to 324), Rue Joseph Wauters and Avenue Dr Dejase.

According to Henry, there has been a deterioration in living conditions and an increase in the feeling of insecurity among residents.

“In 2025, we have seen several cases of deliberate violence and injuries in the Marbotin neighbourhood – sometimes involving weapons, fights, an attempted murder of a police inspector, stone throwers and other shootings, which fortunately did not result in any casualties,” Henry said.

“With this latest fatal shooting, the situation has become unacceptable for residents.”

By making the Marbotin neighbourhood a regional hotspot, the mayor said the municipal and regional authorities can join forces in the fight against drug trafficking.

“This also makes it possible to work within a regional legal framework, allowing various measures to be taken that are appropriate to the situation,” said Henry.

An information meeting for local residents is scheduled for Tuesday evening, 2 December.

First launched in April 2024, the regional hotspot plan identifies high-crime areas of Brussels connected to the drug trade and sets up a task force for each of them in order to coordinate actions for safety, prevention and improvement of neighbourhood life.