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Burglaries: neighbors fight against thieves
Faced with the increase in the number of burglaries, residents are taking action to protect their homes from potential thieves.
(France 2)
Faced with the increase in the number of burglaries, residents are taking action to protect their homes from potential thieves.
Faced with the fear of a break-in, there are multiple solutions to prevent potential burglars from entering a home. Among them, vigilant neighbors. Volunteers with clean criminal records underwent half-day training to become the eyes and ears of the gendarmes in the village. Their role is to report suspicious situations. Since the implementation of this system a year ago, a town in Mayenne has only recorded two burglaries. But there is nothing to attribute this drop to the reference citizens.
An “incitement to denunciation” for some
More than 6,000 municipalities in France use this system, but there are no national figures on its effectiveness. Some fear abuse, with neighbors watching everyone. Many denounce a “incitement to denunciation”. “We are affecting people’s freedoms”assures Frédéric Mary, author of a petition against the referent citizens.