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Burglary

‘Like losing a limb’: French musician’s appeal for stolen cello

The instrument is worth €1.3m, but the cellist has said her appeal is not about the ‘commercial value’

Online tool to report burglaries to police will expand across France

The system can be used to report other incidents too, including vandalism

Did you know French police can check your home when you are away?

Here is how to sign up for the service, as well as a special check for elderly people. Plus, advice on how to avoid ‘fake police’ scams

practical

Home security cameras: what are the rules in France?

Rules differ dependent upon the scope of any video camera

What to do (and not to do) after a home burglary in France

Around 596 break-ins are reported daily

Reader experiences: Dealing with a burglary at second home in France

Couple’s house in Pays de la Loire was broken into while they were in the UK

Burglaries in rural France: areas most at risk and tips to avoid

Break-ins increased by 3% nationally in 2023 - but the rate is up to 20% higher in certain countryside areas

Home invasions: French police advise how to stay safe

Such break-ins have gained media attention after a spate of high-profile cases, but not only celebrities are being targeted

New national burglary figures: How does your area of France fare?

The newly-released data shows a rise in burglaries and most types of crime - although rates vary and are decreasing in some areas

Where are homes most at risk of burglary in France?

Plus: tips to help avoid being a victim over Christmas holiday period

Objects recovered from burglaries put online in south-west France

The gendarmerie hopes the website will let victims reclaim their stolen items

Would-be burglars attempt break-in at Jane Birkin’s home in Paris

The Anglo-French singer, who rose to fame following her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg, died on Sunday aged 76

Tips on reducing the risk of a break-in at your home in France

From asking the police to check on your property to installing an alarm, we look at ways you can protect against being burgled this summer

Map: Which areas of France are worse for house burglaries?

Urban or rural, the second-home effect, Covid impact: newly released data reveals key trends around break-ins in France

British man shot defending car from burglars in Dordogne, court told

Two men, including a fellow Briton, said they had decided on the robbery on the spur of the moment during a party where they had snorted cocaine

Burglaries, scams, attacks: how crime rates vary across France

New figures from the interior ministry show rates in 2021 were often higher in the north and south-east

British couple warn of 90-day rule and French burglary insurance

They were told their insurance claim was invalid because their property had not been occupied for 90 days, even though Covid restrictions meant they could not visit

Gendarmes’ 9-point plan to keep your home safe when away on holiday

Signing up for a free police ‘drive by and check’ scheme are among simple steps recommended to protect your empty property from burglars

Reader experiences: Dealing with a burglary in France

Readers offer advice to others who may find themselves in the same situation and need to deal with police and insurance issues

French law: Court case highlights rules for insurance and shutters

Closing the shutters, locking the door... these are mistakes that could cost you in case of burglary. Insurance companies may not compensate as it is up to you to read the clauses of your contract carefully

Jewel raiders arrested after 400 burglaries in France

Gendarmes and Belgian police have broken up a ring of eight Albanian jewellery thieves involved in 400 burglaries in France.

Burglaries in France down – but cybercrime up

Burglaries and car theft rates are falling but violent offences and cybercrime have risen, a new official national crime survey shows.

Police will keep your French home safe during holidays

Officers will keep an eye on your home in France as part of Opération Tranquillité Vacances

French police seek help returning 800 stolen items

Four people arrested in connection with spate of burglaries between October 2018 and January 2019

Homes in France at high burglary risk pre-Christmas

Homeowners and residents in France are being warned that houses are at particular risk of burglary and theft in the run up to Christmas.

French homeowner lays explosive traps for burglars

A man in his 70s in Côtes-d'Armor (Brittany) surprised the local gendarmerie this week after laying homemade explosive traps around his property, to deter and catch potential burglars.

Police can call by when you are on holiday

If you are going away this summer, you can ask the police to pass by your empty home during their daily rounds.

Thieves have snack while burgling Lyon ‘spread bar’

A Lyon café dedicated to sweet spreads was burgled this week, and the culprits managed to swipe some spreads and appeared to enjoy a quick taste before escaping.

This yours? Police seek owners of 200 stolen objects

Police in Bordeaux and Lille have launched a search for owners of almost 200 valuable objects that were stolen from private homes across France between December 2011 and February 2017.

Petition for gardener who shot and killed burglar

Nearly 85,000 people show support for property owner facing manslaughter charge after he killed a burglar in his Hérault home

Police reveal burglars' trick

Police are warning of a new burglary trick in which thieves leave a small piece of wood – like a matchstick – wedged strategically in house gates so they can see if the house is occupied.

Jail for thieves who robbed Côte d’Azur funeral-goers

Residents have been warned after a team of burglars in the Côte d’Azur has been found guilty of targeting the homes of people who they knew would be out attending funerals.

No time to waste if you're burgled

There are important steps to rapidly take after being burgled in France

Burglary

‘Like losing a limb’: French musician’s appeal for stolen cello

Online tool to report burglaries to police will expand across France

Did you know French police can check your home when you are away?

Home security cameras: what are the rules in France?

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