Starting tomorrow, Portuguese police will join Ghent's local forces to combat pickpocketing during the 10-day Gentse Feesten festival. This collaboration is part of a

broader European cooperation initiative, according to VRT.

For years, Dutch police have been seen in Ghent during the festival, assisting local officers in managing interactions with numerous Dutch visitors and occasionally detaining them if necessary.

This year, Portuguese officers will also contribute to the effort by patrolling in plain clothes alongside their Ghent counterparts. The mixed patrols, which include both Dutch and Portuguese officers, are made possible by European agreements. Recently, Ghent police participated in similar international exchanges to share experiences and insights into the methods used by criminal gangs.

The Gentse Feesten, running from July 19 to 28 in Ghent’s city center, is celebrated as Flemish intangible heritage and ranks among Europe's largest public festivals. It features a diverse and free array of music performances, street theater, exhibitions, children's activities, fairs, and parades. Photo by Nxr-at, Wikimedia commons.