Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Police receive dozens of reports every year from people who visit the grave of a loved one on "Halloween's Day" after it was discovered that their cars had been broken and valuables stolen.
It is a frequent phenomenon around this period. We flock to the cemetery to commemorate deceased friends or relatives. And then we may be less vigilant regarding other matters, according to Brussels police.
Police launched a series of tips this week across social media to warn people when they go to the cemetery. She said in one of the messages
“They walk past parked cars and when they see something they can use, they break a side window with a hammer or other hard object. Jackets, bags, smartphones… they are interested in anything of value.”
That's why the police recommend that you always park in a crowded place with lots of lanes. Make sure all doors and windows are closed. And don't leave any valuables behind. A handbag, a wallet, a mobile phone ... ”, said Elsie van de Kere, a spokeswoman for the Brussels Police.
In another message, the police warned, "Don't leave your coats in the back seat either. They also warn of car thefts by people who will lay flowers in the cemetery or clean a grave."
"Don't leave anything visible in the car. But also be careful what you put in the trunk. Because it's not always safe there either. Sometimes offenders keep an eye on the area. If they see you've put a mobile phone or handbag in the suitcase, they just take it out."
In the city of Ostend, this week they focused not only on the warning and prevention of car theft at the cemetery but especially on thefts at the cemetery itself. Flowers, figurines, personal items and ornaments on the grave of a loved one are more and more disappearing. That's why keep an extra eye during this Halloween.
According to Wikipedia on Belgian websites, "In Belgium we celebrate Halloween every year on November 1, right after the increasingly popular annual Halloween party and just before All Souls' Day. It is a Christian holiday in which we honor and commemorate all the saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Today, no commemoration is made. Not only saints but also a day to remember other people who are no longer alive.In fact, the following day (All Souls' Day) is dedicated to this, but unlike All Saints' Day, this is not a holiday.Many Catholics will go to Mass and other Visitors to the cemetery to commemorate loved ones and lay flowers (mostly chrysanthemums) on the grave.
Our northern neighbors in the Netherlands do not have a day off, but in Belgium - just as in many other European countries - shops are closed because it is a public holiday. Government institutions will also close their doors on November 1. Are you a government employee? Then there's a very good chance you won't have to work.