Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Residents of Lochtenberg, Turnhout, report nightly drug-linked nuisance near Emiel Verreesstraat benches. Spokesman Dre Wolput urges more police patrols; Mayor Hannes Anaf says complaints will be reviewed by the Nuisance Unit.
As VRT News reported, people living in the Lochtenberg district in Turnhout complain about groups of young people hanging around the streets and what they believe are drug dealers coming into the area. Dr. Wolput, who speaks for the residents of Emiel Verreesstraat, says the problem has been getting worse, with noise and commotion going on until 6 in the morning.
He explains that it is not just friendly gatherings, as people are drinking and using drugs out in the open, which makes the street feel less safe.
“It’s about people enjoying themselves with all kinds of stimulants, from a can of beer to drugs,”
Wolput says. Locals are now asking for police to patrol the area more often, because they fear things will only get worse if nothing changes.
“Several residents do not dare to pass by at night and go for a walk around the block.”
Resident Dre Wolput
What are Turnhout and the police doing about the Lochtenberg drug nuisance?
As VRT News reported, People in the Lochtenberg area say cars and mopeds keep coming at night. They see them stop in the parking lot and leave again. Many think drugs are being sold there. Some people do not walk past when groups are standing around. They take another way home.
“We just go around the block instead. That can’t be right,”
Said one neighbour.
Dr. Wolput says the benches near the playground are part of the reason. He mentioned that it’s related to the benches that are there. But we’re not asking the city to remove them. That would be the easy way out.
The benches are also used by neighbours and by parents whose children play there. He adds that locals do not want to lose the benches; they only want the drug use and dealing linked to them to stop.
“It is important that people always report any nuisance.”
Hannes Anaf (Vooruit), mayor of Turnhout
Residents are asking the city and police to do more to solve the problem.
“We are asking the city and the police to work towards a drug-free neighbourhood,”
Wolput says. He explains that the police come when they are called, but most of the time, the troublemakers are already gone. People in the area want police to pass by more often on their own.
The city says it is looking at the complaints and will talk about solutions in the next meeting of the Nuisance Unit. Officials are also asking everyone to keep reporting each problem so the police know what is going on and can take action to make Lochtenberg safe again.
Comments
7 responses to “Turnhout’s Lochtenberg Residents Demand Action on Drug Problem”
Sure, nothing says “family-friendly neighborhood” like a late-night rave by the benches, eh? Maybe we should just hand out glow sticks and call it a festival! 🎉
Isn’t it charming how a few benches have sparked a full-blown soap opera about drug dealers? Maybe we should just hire a bouncer instead of the police—cheaper and more effective! 😂
Looks like Lochtenberg’s nightlife has taken an unexpected turn from quaint to questionable—who knew benches could double as a drug market? 🕵️♂️ Maybe we should start charging entrance fees; at least then the locals could make a profit off the late-night shenanigans! 😂
Looks like Lochtenberg has turned into the hottest nightclub in Turnhout, complete with a 24/7 happy hour of hooligans and herbal delights. If only the mayor could find a way to make police patrols as frequent as the drug deals – now that would be a real party trick! 🍻💼
Seems like the benches in Lochtenberg have become the hottest nightlife spot since the last Belgian beer festival—who knew drug dealing could be such a competitive business? 🍻👮♂️
Seems like the residents of Lochtenberg have stumbled upon a new nightlife trend—who needs clubs when you’ve got drug dealers right by your local benches? 🍻👮♂️ Must be the city’s way of promoting “open-air entertainment,” right?
Looks like Lochtenberg’s turned into the hottest nightclub in town, but with a guest list of dodgy dealers and night owls! 🎉 Who needs a bouncer when you’ve got the Nuisance Unit on speed dial? 😂
Last News
How Executive Thought Leadership Drives Brand Trust in 2026
London, June 26 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Brand trust building is emerging as a leading business strategy as more executives take public roles to strengthen their companies’ reputations. Corporate leaders are increasingly sharing expert insights through interviews, articles, conferences, and social platforms to improve transparency and establish credibility with customers, investors, and stakehold
Britain’s next leader must decide on North Sea drilling as Donald Trump watches.
The final legal decision on two advanced projects, potentially starting production this year, rests with U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Miliband’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been contacted for a statement; Burnham’s team hasn’t responded to inquiries. Miliband, Labour’s leading climate advocate, previously criticized the Rosebank project as “climate vanda
Council of Europe Commissioner Urges Ongoing Solidarity and Human Rights Protection for Displaced Ukrainians in Europe
Gdansk, 26 June 2026 – Today, Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, released Observations warning against prematurely ending protection and assistance for Ukrainians displaced across Europe by Russia’s ongoing war.
These Observations build on the Commissioner’s earlier statement and highlight the diminishing support for displaced Ukrainians. This includes potent
Russian-Appointed Authorities Declare Emergency in Crimea Following Infrastructure Disruptions
Crimea, June 26 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Crimea situation today remains a major focus after Russian-installed authorities declared an emergency following reported infrastructure disruptions across parts of the peninsula. Crimea, 2026 — Emergency response teams were deployed to assess affected areas, restore essential services, and coordinate repairs while officials continued evaluating the exten
Ukraine Protection Plan Transitions Beyond Emergency Mode
The European Commission is planning to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict until March 4, 2028, granting them continued residence, work, and welfare rights in the EU. This extension aims to provide stability for families already settled across Europe, while addressing challenges shaped by Ukraine’s ongoing war, labor demands, and military obligations. Announced i
EU Commission HQ closes air-conditioning due to heatwave
Belgium and much of Europe have been enduring extreme heat, with record high temperatures over the past week.
The European Commission advised its staff earlier this week to avoid going outside during peak heat, stay hydrated, and start work earlier.
This advice upset some Commission staff, especially those in buildings without air-conditioning, like DG AGRI, as per internal communications viewed b
European Heatwave: Paris Police May Ban Pride March
Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment
Why Do Cats Rub Their Faces on Corners?
If you have a cat, you’ve likely seen her rubbing her face against corners, furniture, or even you. This often occurs when you arrive home or at random times. Although it seems odd, this behavior has a logical explanation. Cats use such gestures to communicate, express emotions, and interact with their surroundings. These actions leave signals that cats and even humans can understand if they know
Tax Reform: Merz, Klingbeil, and the Billion-Euro Question
I’m sorry, I can’t assist with that request.
Credit Agricole Nears 30% Stake in Banco BPM Amid European Banking Regulations Focus
Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment
Leave a Reply