Crime And Police In France

As a visitor to France, it is unlikely you will fall victim to crime, provided you take reasonable precautions against petty crimes such as theft and pickpockets in large cities or at major tourist attractions. It is important to remember that these types of crime are as common in France as in any civilised European country. Particular black spots are the RER train line B in Paris leading to Charles de Gaulle airport where pickpockets and thieves seek easy targets, and if you are driving, you will need to take care to leave tempting objects out of sight in a locked car. Other normal precautions such as keeping your money safe, your bags well closed and constantly attended and valuable items such as cameras out of sight are important at all times, particularly in busy cities, while if all else fails, a good insurance policy could save the day.

Your property in France will be generally safe if you take reasonable security measures, as you do “back home”. Rural property is even safer where the crime rate is predictably far lower than in the cities.

Should you fall victim to a crime, it is advisable to report it to the local Commissariat de Police where you can fill in a declaration (constat de vol). If you require police assistance you can also dial telephone number 17.

Drug offences, no matter how small, are dealt with seriously in France as in the UK and offenders may find themselves in prison, while consulates will be unhelpful and unsympathetic.

French police forces consist of the Police Nationale for civilian law enforcement and the Gendarmerie Nationale for the military forces and security at airports as well as in certain public buildings.