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European City Asks Tourists to Stop Stealing Cobblestones From Its Historic Streets

Bruges, a picturesque Belgian city with UNESCO-recognized medieval streets, has asked tourists to stop stealing cobblestones as of 2025.
The city faces this issue due to estimated losses of 50 to 70 cobblestones per month, with more disappearing during peak tourist seasons.
Local politician Franky Demon highlights that removing cobblestones causes serious safety risks for both residents and visitors and damages historic streets.
Demon told CNN the replacement cost is 200 euros per square meter, about $225, and noted one thief replaced a stolen stone with a planted flower.
Bruges' efforts to manage overtourism include restricting cruise ship arrivals and ending promotion campaigns to discourage day-trippers, aiming to protect its heritage.

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www.t-online.de

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"We Just Ask for Respect": European City Issues Warning to Tourists Who Steal Special Souvenirs

The Belgian city of Bruges is issuing a call to its tourists: Stop stealing cobblestones from its old medieval streets. CNN reports. According to local politician Franky Demon, it is estimated that...

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Bruges Asks Tourists to Stop Stealing Cobblestones From Medieval Streets

The Belgian city of Bruges has appealed to tourists to stop stealing cobblestones from its medieval streets, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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CNN

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Bruges asks tourists to stop stealing cobblestones

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