Belval (HELVILUX)- What should have been a quiet wait for the first morning train turned into a troubling lesson about safety gaps in Luxembourg’s public transport system.
According to information gathered by Helvilux, a resident on 17 January 2026 returning home after an after-party in Belval missed the last train and decided to wait overnight in the newly created waiting room at Belval University Railway Station, a facility recently opened by CFL.
Tired after the night’s festivities, the man reportedly fell asleep while seated. When he woke up, his mobile phone was gone taken from the pocket of his jacket by an unknown person who had already disappeared.
3 CCTV cameras Installed but Not Working
The victim immediately went to the CFL office at the station to report the theft, only to receive unsettling news: the 3 CCTV cameras installed in the waiting room was not functioning at the time of the incident.
He later filed an official complaint for simple theft at the Esch-sur-Alzette Police Station. Using his laptop, he was also able to trace the phone’s last known location to the vicinity of the Belval University station information that, without CCTV footage, offers limited investigative value.
It’s Not About the Phone
Speaking to Helvilux, the victim expressed frustration not only about the theft, but about what he sees as a broader security problem.
“It’s not about a €200 or €500 phone,” he said. “It’s about how thefts are increasing in Luxembourg, especially in the Esch area, and how lightly these cases are taken. The police noted my complaint, but there seemed to be little interest.”
He also pointed the finger at CFL, questioning why a camera that had already been installed was not operational.
“Passengers wait on CFL premises with trust. When you hear that the CCTV is not working, who is responsible for that carelessness? How many other cameras at different stations are just there for show?”
A Bigger Safety Question
The victim raised an even more serious concern: what if the incident had involved physical assault or a major crime?
“If something serious had happened in that waiting room, who would be responsible? A non-functioning CCTV camera is not a good sign for passenger safety.”
He confirmed that he is now in contact with a lawyer and is considering a civil claim against CFL, arguing that when passengers are delayed, face last-minute cancellations, or are forced to wait overnight, the operator has a duty to ensure that safety systems function properly.
Buses Without Cameras Too?
The Helvilux investigative team has also learned that when CFL cancels certain train services and provides replacement buses, some of those buses are not equipped with CCTV cameras raising further questions about consistent safety standards.
Why are these specific buses not fitted with cameras? Why is CCTV considered optional in replacement services? These are questions that, for now, remain unanswered.
CFL Silent for Now
Helvilux contacted CFL requesting an official response regarding the non-functioning CCTV at Belval, as well as the absence of cameras on some replacement buses. As of publication, no response has been received. In the interest of fair and balanced journalism, any statement received after publication will be added to this report.
For passengers who rely daily on public transport, the incident serves as a stark reminder: infrastructure may look modern, but without functioning safety systems, trust can disappear as quickly as a phone in the night.