I was surprised how brazen the pickpockets are. One of them approached me at a station (not Gare du Midi) being friendly. I reciprocated having had a few beers at this point. The next moment I feel his hand in my pocket trying to fish my wallet out. Luckily he ran off as soon as I noticed, he wasn't a particularly good pickpocket.

Maybe it only happened because I looked strongly tourist. Thieves and pickpockets are more quick and sly in London. Frankly, every visit I have always felt a bit unsafe in Brussels. Someone I met at FOSDEM last year had their car window smashed in.