William Molinié / Photo credit: XOSE BOUZAS / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 6:17 a.m., February 20, 2024

Attacks, acts of torture, barbarity, threats... Delinquency targeting physical integrity is increasing especially in small and medium-sized towns. Territories considered to be preserved until then. In detail, Loir-et-Cher holds first place on the podium with an explosion of almost 40%.

This is an evolution of delinquency that we have been seeing for several years now. Assaults, thefts and burglaries are nothing more than a scourge affecting large cities. And small and medium-sized towns in France are also targeted, which contributes to the generalization of exasperation in the face of insecurity in all territories. For the occasion, Europe 1 had access to a report on public security in police zones for the year 2023. As a result, attacks jumped by more than 7% last year...

Loir-et-Cher in the lead

Of the 101 French departments, only 11 recorded a decline in intentional attacks on physical integrity. We are talking about acts of torture and barbarity, attacks or threats. Everywhere else on the national territory, the figures are increasing. +7.39% under the responsibility of the national directorate of public security (figures for 2023 compared to the previous year). In detail, Loir-et-Cher holds first place on the podium with an explosion of almost 40%. Then come Côte-d'Or, Eure-et-Loir, Finistère and Lozère (+20%). Territories that are nevertheless reputed to be preserved.

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However, Place Beauvau has strengthened the presence of law enforcement in rural areas, in the gendarmerie zone. But there remain blind spots in police zones, like sort of security deserts in small and medium-sized towns. “Where police reinforcements are not so visible,” analyzes a police officer. Delinquency is also changing, as noted by an investigator on wiretapping. “Thugs are discouraged by the centers of big cities, too many police officers and video surveillance,” he reports.

A headache for the police authorities who cannot transfer police officers as they wish. “The main lever is the police academy outings, after that it’s very complicated,” recognizes a senior executive from Place Beauvau.