Staying Safe in Brussels - A Message from KPMG Global Security
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Summary
Street crime and tourist scams are the principal risks for business travelers to Brussels. All visitors should take personal measures to avoid being victimized. No area of Brussels is immune to petty and opportunistic street crime, though it is particularly important to exercise caution during hours of darkness as this is when most incidences of crime increase.
Risk Mitigation Measures
- Maintain a low profile outside the hotel and do not carry anything openly that might be considered of value to a criminal (mobile devices, expensive jewelry, etc.).
- Upon arrival to your room, familiarize yourself with the hotel’s emergency exit locations and evacuation routes.
- Use prearranged ground transportation through a rideshare app (Uber), the hotel, or event organizers.
- Always carry a copy of your ID and passport/visa with you.
- Ensure your mobile device is sufficiently charged before leaving the hotel.
- Travel in pairs or groups rather than alone when exploring outside the hotel.
- Use ATM machines at the hotel or a bank and avoid any street-facing terminals.
- Exercise vigilance if visiting popular night clubs, markets, tourist and entertainment areas as these locations typically have elevated risk of crime.
- Travelers should pack some essential over-the-counter medicines (Imodium, Pepto Bismol, or similar) to manage any potential digestive issues that can be encountered while adjusting to the local cuisine. Alternatively, these are often available at hotel general stores or by calling the reception/concierge desk.
Area Notes: Historically, most street and violent crimes tend to occur near the Botanical Gardens and around the three major train stations: North Station (Noordstation or Gare du Nord), Central Station (Centraal Station or Gare Centrale), and particularly South Station (Zuidstation or Gare du Midi), which serves as the primary international train hub. High crime rates are also reported in the low-income areas of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Schaerbeek, and Anderlecht. The Molenbeek area is known for money laundering, arms trafficking, and drug dealing and should be avoided. Additionally, caution is advised after dark around the Aneessens, Etangs Noirs, De Brouckère, Rogier, and Simonis metro stations.
Information Security Measures:
- Avoid connecting to public wi-fi connections. If you must do so, use your VPN and select the “Always-Tunnel” option from the Group dropdown.
- Ensure all software, including anti-virus protection and any security patches, are up to date prior to travel. Do not update software while away.
- Turn off Wi-fi and Bluetooth when not in use.
- When you return home, consider changing passwords on accounts that you’ve accessed if you suspect any issues. Also monitor your financial statements for fraudulent charges.
- View more helpful information here: KPMGI Global Security - Travel Cyber/Information Security
Mobile Devices and Laptops
- Mobile devices are an increasingly common target for street criminals due to their prevalence in in our global culture and their perceived resale value. We recommend discreet mobile device use in all public areas, especially in destinations where street crime risks are elevated.
- If a device is lost or stolen while at the event or during an activity, let the event support staff and/or hotel front desk personnel know. From another device or through a trusted contact, use the Find my iPhone or Find my Device feature to locate and/or erase the device. Ensure you have these connections established prior to travel.
- If your KPMG device is lost or stolen, promptly follow your Member Firm IT or Information Protection policies established for reporting lost or stolen devices.
- For personal devices you should follow the above steps as well as reporting the incident to your mobile provider to ensure the device is disconnected and rendered inoperable.
Reporting Incidents
- Immediately contact the hotel staff, security, and/or emergency services in the event of a safety or medical emergency.
- KPMG personnel may contact the International SOS 24/7 London Assistance Center at +44 208 762 8008 in the event of an urgent medical or security situation requiring support.
- KPMG partners and employees should download the International SOS Assistance App onto your smart phone prior to travel (business or personal).
