Man tries to rob Brussels police officer, leisurely chase ensues
A local pickpocketer has tried to push his luck by stealing from two officers who then followed him through the city centre as he attempted to rob more people
You have the right to remain stupid
The officers were on duty on the Grasmarkt close to the Grote Markt, keeping a close eye on the terraces, which, as they’re mainly populated by tourists, are a popular hunting ground for sneak thieves. The man was acting suspiciously, which the Trekkers are trained to spot, and was clearly looking for a victim. The officers took a seat at a table, and the man they were watching did the same – at the very next table.
And just as he was pretending to hang his jacket over the back of the chair, he was observed to be rifling in the pockets of the jacket of one of the officers. His haul: one empty spectacles case, which he did return.
He then moved off, with the Trekkers – the name comes from slang for pickpockets, and has nothing to do with space missions – in leisurely pursuit. Along the way he is said to have made further attempts to dip his criminal mitts into other people’s belongings.
The police caught up with him at North station, by which time they had enough evidence to bring charges. The man was questioned and released to appear in court later.
Photo: Ingimage
