French departments report rise in burglaries

Authorities in several French departments are raising alarms regarding an increase in burglaries and urging public vigilance.

In the Doubs department, particularly around the Grand Besançon area, mayors and gendarmes have issued warnings following a series of thefts. Colonel Élodie Montet has encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior immediately, noting that citizens often hesitate to call for fear of being a nuisance. Recent incidents include a daytime break-in in Chemaudin-et-Vaux where suspects stole vehicle keys and power tools.

In the Gers department of Occitanie, official figures show a significant rise in burglarities. Between January 1 and September 15, 2026, 694 burglaries were recorded, approaching the total of 831 reported during the entirety of the previous year. In response, law enforcement mobilization has increased, with the gendarmerie reporting a 48% rise in solved cases and a 49% increase in related custody proceedings. The prefecture continues to promote the ‘Opération Tranquillité Vacances’ to provide patrols for residents during prolonged absences.