Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Advertisement

'Homeless' cold patrol in Belgium

'Homeless' cold patrol in Belgium
Copyright 
By Euronews
Published on
Share Comments Add Euronews on Google
Share Close Button

Policemen Guido and Chris patrol the streets of Brussels at night helping the homeless

It's 7pm and policemen Guido and Chris are start their night patrolling in the streets of Brussels.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Outside the temperature is -5°C. This special police squad try to convince the homeless to go to a shelter for the night.

With some of the homeless, it's a question of persuading them what is best.

"We use a bit of psychology,"says Chris Van de Haute, inspector at the Herscham police squad. "We tried to negociate for 5 to 10 minutes, but no more. But if someone really is in danger, then I try to insist more."

Every night, they manage to put five to 10 people somewhere safe. They never use force, except when a child's life is at stake.

"The kids are obliged to follow their parents and sleep outside in the cold but they have not chosen to do so," says Guido Geeraerts, inspector at the Herscham police squad

They've been patrolling for 8 years and they have become friends with some of the homeless.

1 out of 2 people accept the help of the squad. When this happens, the inspectors call social services to find a shelter for the night.

But even then, their work is not over.  Chris and Guido are going to keep on patrolling for the whole night.

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share Comments Add Euronews on Google

Read more

Spanish police conclude initials 'P.S.' in diary of former party member refer to PM Pedro Sánchez

Delays to UK's Houses of Parliament renovation could add £420 million to bill

Trial opens for Swedish army consultant accused of attempted espionage for Russia