My bag-pack (containing money, camera, valuables, documents....) was stolen at Brussels Midi train…read morestation on the night of 16th December. Me and my wife were sitting in front of Sam's Cafe around 8PM when a group of thieves stole my bagpack. The lady at the counter of Sam's Cafe saw the whole event but didn't bother at all.
While we sat at the coffee table, a person, probably from Black North African descent engaged us in a conversation (lasting 15 seconds). This person got our attention by speaking in a non existing language. As soon as he got our attention, the other person stole my bagpack (from my table. It was merely a difference of 5 seconds that i realized of what happened. I ran after this guy all the way out of the station but he disappeared in the dark area of the bus station. There is a surveillance camera on the roof in front of Sam's Cafe (which public cannot access and maybe is of no use, i doubt it works). All the footage should be in the surveillance camera. The police has the report but seems not very helpful, not to mention they told us that already 15 thefts have been registered for that day and chances of finding the person is 0.05%
Be vigilant, buckle your bag-pack to yourself, don't engage in conversation and remember that you are your best defense.