Just got back from changing trains @ Brussels midi station & thought i'd better remind people about the no of pickpockets & thieves that are operating there.

In the space of 15 mins of sitting in the food hall, 2 people had their wallets stolen, a fight broke out when someone else was caught trying to steal a bag & a bloke sitting in the Thalys waiting area was telling someone on his mobile that he'd just had his laptop stolen.
There seems to be a distinct lack of police pressence in the station and tends to rely on a few railway officials to keep an eye out for their passengers.
The Thalys waiting areas are relatively safe as they are regulary checked on by Thalys staff members who question anyone who looks like they do not belong in there & ejects them.

It's not a station i'd use through choice but it does offer the best coonections to Cologne from the UK so needs must.