≡-Belgium Takes Bold Steps to Combat Tourist Theft and Protect Bruges’ Historic Cobblestones and Iconic Park Chairs from Irresponsible Visitors – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Belgium Takes Bold Steps to Combat Tourist Theft and Protect Bruges’ Historic Cobblestones and Iconic Park Chairs from Irresponsible Visitors Thursday, July 17, 2025Belgium: Crackdown on Tourist TheftBruges, famed for its historical charm and swan-dotted canals, will call in brain scanners for novelty-phone wielding tourists who steal chocolate and lace. And the increasing menace of tourists marching off with historic cobblestones and Felix the Cat-green park chairs has prompted local officials to impose stiff consequences in order to protect the city’s legacy. These thefts, committed by tourists keen to take a permanent memento of the city home with them, have caused anger amongst the people of Bruges, and the incident has led to a community rallying behind its cultural and historical heritage. In reaction, officials are taking out, cleaning and re-cementing cobblestones, and using extra security to keep away such destruction. They are part of a wider initiative to address overtourism and to protect the future of Bruges as a destination of distinction.Offensive Tourists Spark Outrage in Belgian City of Bruges – After Locals Taken to Court and Branded ‘Dregs of Society’ for Complaining Their Souvenirs Are StolenBruges, long celebrated as one of Europe’s loveliest cities, has been increasingly visited by a new kind of citizen who is infuriating the locals by upsetting an old one — a tourist packing a chisel and puffy hammer, seeking to take back a piece of a city they have only just met. Famed for its pretty canals, medieval buildings and quaint cobbled streets, Bruges draws several million tourists a year. But some of these visitors have gone beyond enjoying themselves and have picked up and kept parts of the city, much to the chagrin of citizens and law enforcement officials who are now taking action to reel them in.One of the most troubling concerns is the theft of the city’s signature cobblestones. Weighing in at about 20 pounds apiece, these cobblestones are more than just a historical touch: they are central to the singular charm of Bruges. Now, however, an unsettling trend has emerged: visitors are stealing them as souvenirs. Since then, local officials have started carefully taking up the cobblestones and have cleaned them — with soap, water and man-power — before re-cementing them to avoid further theft. This is one of several steps that the city has taken to preserve its character.But the thefts are not limited to the cobblestones. Bruges is also grappling with a disconcerting number of thefts of green metal chairs from the city’s parks and central square. The chairs, usually left outdoors for both locals and visitors to enjoy, have been put at risk of theft. Last year alone, about 350 chairs, or nearly four in ten, were carted away by visitors. The city’s local government has blamed tourists for the thefts, contributing to mounting frustration in the city.In response to overtourism, the powers-that-be have made a few significant adjustments to help the city retain its charm. In 2019, Bruges did something daring by capping the number of cruise ships that could dock at the port nearby in a bid to slow the flow of mass tourism. The city, moreover, discontinued its tourism advertising aimed at closer destinations, with the hope of deterring day-trippers who are some of the more aggravating contributors to the crowds.It’s no surprise, then, that Bruges frequently makes it on to the various travel lists produced by experts, bloggers and travellers alike, featuring heavily as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its appeal is in its narrow, medieval streets, breathtaking canals and historical buildings that take you to a fantasy world. But that beauty is in danger, threatened by the inconsiderate behavior of a minority of people who treat the city’s treasures as tchotchokes to be spirited away.Questions regarding the effects of tourism upon the heritage of Bruges have been raised by the theft of such valuable art. The tourism industry is an important part of the local economy, but the increased traffic, and the fact the city is not being maintained, is leading to strains on the relationship between residents and visitors. The gauntlet is now thrown, because how is Bruges going to remain not only a place that must be visited, but to protect its immensely rich cultural heritage?To many residents, the destruction of these old artifacts seems a strike against the city’s identity. The cobblestones, the chairs, even that whole textile that makes up the city, these arent there just to look fancy – it’s an essential part of Bruges’ character and history. The theft of this stuff, accidental or not, robs the city of a little more of what makes it so great.But as officials take steps to try to curb the theft, residents are also seeking some respect and accountability from tourists. Tourism is crucial to Bruges but it’s obvious that a balance must be found between welcoming people and maintaining a bit of character. The fate of Bruges lies as much in its charm as it does in the will of the people to preserve it.Belgium is moving to protect the historic charm of Bruges after tourists started pilfering iconic cobblestones and park benches. Local authorities are re-cementing the stones after they have been stolen and adding increased security to protect the city’s heritage while fighting against new waves of overtourism.In a world of overtourism, how cities like Bruges engage their visitors in a way that respects their cultural and historic value is a question to be reckoned with. Whether by educating on the need to preserve or through more creative methods to control the flow of tourists the beauty of Bruges won’t fall foul of the indifferent few. While the city will evolve, there’s one thing that’s for sure: The seduction of Bruges — one of the most beautiful cities in Europe — should be around for many more generations.

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