collegial or collateral?

Student life means studying and having fun. The line between fun and hindrance/trouble is drawn below.

Vandalism
Only fools leave behind a trail of destruction. He or she will pay for the damage done and can expect a fine. Every instance of vandalism is brought before the office of the public prosecutor. He will decide whether you’ll be prosecuted with the risk of the owner suing you as well, or that you’ll be fined or sanctioned otherwise. Please respect the other people’s belongings and city infrastructure.

Graffiti
Painting or tagging in the public domain is illegal. If you get caught, you’ll have to pay a fine and the costs of restoring the damaged good. If you soiled several goods, you’ll be brought to justice. Chances are that the owner of the damaged good will sue you. Graffiti or a tag on your façade? Can’t look past the posters mounted everywhere? The city council removes graffiti and stickers in public and private domain for free.

Public drunkenness
Public drunkenness is a penal offence. You could be put in jail by the police to sleep it off. Your file will be forwarded to the public prosecutor and if you’re lucky he’ll just tick your name. In other cases, if for example you disturb the peace, make excessive noise or engage in a brawl, the punishment will be more severe.
Tip: drank too much? Walk home quietly and sleep it off. Don’t go about yelling, slurring or vandalising. You won’t do anyone a service, certainly not yourself, your career or your purse. 

Spitting, vomiting, urinating and excessive noise at night
All of these activities are prohibited in the public domain. Police constables and administrative officials will fine you up to 250 euro per offence.
Important: Be a friend to the neighbourhood and keep your decibels in check. Residents have every right to be annoyed. Also during the day you could get in trouble if you make too much noise.

Pickpockets
Are of all times. Antwerp is generally safe, but nevertheless it is prudent to take good care of your bank card, mobile phone, laptop or handbag.

If you do become a victim of a pickpocket, you witnessed the theft and the suspects are still around, call 101 and ask bystanders to help you if needed. In all other cases, report the crime to the police as soon as possible. If your bank card is stolen, immediately block your account via CARD-stop: dial 070 344 344. Important: attempted theft is punishable too. If, for example, someone has his hand in your handbag, but hasn’t as yet stolen your wallet, ask bystanders to help restrain the thief and call 101.

Report theft of your mobile phone to the police and make the operator block your phone number. You’ll need the IMEI-number for that (15 digits – dial *#06# on your mobile Phone) and the SIM-card number (4 digits on the back of your SIM-card). Make sure you write these numbers down and keep them with you. Make sure the operator only blocks your phone number, as the police will need your IMEI to indentify and track down your mobile phone.