Belgium is a popular destination for Britons heading on a city break and they can travel to the country in just over an hour from the UK.
But Britons heading to this European country have been issued a new warning about violent crime.
Holidaymakers in Belgium have been warned by the UK Government to "remain vigilant" amidst the ongoing threat of organised crime.
GOV.UK told Britons: "There are regular incidents of violent crime among organised crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, particularly in Antwerp, Brussels and other large cities."
Britons in Belgium have been warned about organised crime gangs
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While British tourists are not being specifically targeted, they should exercise caution when visiting Belgium.
GOV.UK said: "The risk mostly affects those involved in drug crime, but remain vigilant if you suspect illegal activity. Follow the advice of local authorities.
"There have been reports of truck and van drivers being approached at parking lots or service stations by organised crime groups and asked to smuggle products to the UK (‘window tapping’)."
Britons who see anything "suspicious" have been warned to report it to the local authorities.
The official website of the Federal Police reads: "The emergency number 112 is the only emergency number you can call free of charge throughout Europe if you need urgent help from the fire services, a medical team, or the police.
"If you call the emergency number 112 for the police in Belgium, you will be transferred to the emergency number 101. You may therefore waste valuable time." For emergency assistance, call 101 directly.
For further information on safety and security for Britons in Belgium, including terrorism, demonstrations and strikes, transport, laws and cultural differences, and crime, holidaymakers can consult GOV.UK.
With regard to terrorism, the Government advised: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
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Antwerp, Brussels and other large cities are rife with violent crime among organised crime gangs
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"UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack."
GOV.UK warned that "terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals such as on public transport, in national and international transport hubs, in international institutions, in places of worship and in other places visited by foreigners."
Belgium is not the only country Britons have recently been given a warning about.
