Antwerp has operated a strict zero tolerance policy in the neighbourhoods in the north of the city, including Seefhoek, since last year, with daily patrols and special police actions aimed at drug dealers and their customers. Offences such as possession can be dealt with through a fast-track court system, while administrative fines can be used for public drunkenness, loitering and other anti-social behaviour. The courts have dealt with 105 cases this year, with 2,500 administrative fines handed out.

“The measures we agreed in the council are producing real results,” commented Guy Lauwers, alderman for public works standing in for mayor Patrick Janssens. “If I go by the reactions of residents and businesses, there’s been an improvement. With the fines system we can take on those buying and selling drugs. It’s fast, and it hits them where it hurts the most: in the wallet.”

Lauwers admits that they have a ways to go. “It’s working, but we’re not there yet,” he says. “This is a persistent problem. We have to be just as persistent in fighting it. But let’s be under no illusions: we’re never going to solve the problem of drugs.”

Some locals are dissatisfied with the results achieved so far. On Wednesday, 10 August, business owners and residents of Seefhoek decided to take on the criminals themselves.

The trouble began after a customer at the local baker’s shop had her bicycle stolen. The thief was pursued by the baker and another man, who then encountered two known drug dealers fighting between themselves. Words were exchanged as the bicycle thief disappeared, and soon there were hundreds of people gathered, determined to take on the dealers and throw them out of the area. Police intervened, and it took hours, four arrests and two fines before calm could be restored. One man was taken to hospital with a stab wound.

“The big problem is that the police do absolutely nothing,” one local man told De Standaard. “When the fighting started, we called the police right away. The police station is 200 metres up the road. How could it take them 20 minutes to get here? If the police won’t do anything, we’ll defend our businesses our own way. With our fists, if necessary.”

A number of local businesses have now decided to set up an information network to cooperate with the police in tackling the problem. Unizo, which represents the selfemployed has been stressing the problems of drunks, dealers and addicts for a year, a spokesman said. “The signal coming from the shopkeepers is clear: Enough is enough,” he said.

Lauwers, meanwhile, expressed sympathy with the local people but warned against vigilante actions. “I understand their frustrations because a worthwhile area with a lot of potential is being taken over by drug dealers and junkies. But we live under the rule of law. People need to leave matters like this to the police.”