Faced with the increase in burglaries and scams, two Burgundy gendarmes are sounding the alarm and giving their advice so that local residents do not become victims of these acts.
Despite the numbers optimistic from the Ministry of the Interior in a note published on April 26, 2024, with the resolution of crimes and misdemeanors falling since 2017, burglars and scammers are not giving up in Burgundy.
The Côte-d’Or gendarmerie has been alerting residents of an increase in burglaries in recent days, particularly in Beaune and the Val de Saône. Same story in Saône-et-Loire with, as a bonus, unscrupulous crooks offering the installation of bitumen that is inexpensive, at least almost. Law enforcement from both departments are calling for the greatest vigilance.
Farmers in Saône-et-Loire are victims of theft of GPS and GNR (Non-Road Diesel). The gendarmerie notes an increase in these acts and advises those concerned to take steps to limit the risks.
To help them avoid the tragedy, the police offer farmers referrals and security correspondents. Their missions fall within the framework of prevention against delinquency. ” Their intervention is free, without compensation or obligation, and has no contractual character.“, she mentions on their Facebook page.
The local gendarmerie also warns of the bitumen scam. Dhe individuals present themselves as workers and approach individuals or companies by offering them repair work on their driveway, terrace or even their parking lot at a very attractive price. They justify this low price by claiming to have remaining bitumen from another site.
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“Mistrust ! After laying poor quality bitumen, the scammers demand a much higher sum than the initially agreed price, under threat or by taking advantage of the victim’s vulnerability“, explains Amandine Dechy, communications manager. The gendarmerie explains that you must never give in to pressure. You must also “systematically refuse verbal quotes and demand a detailed written quote, including the price, the nature of the work and the guarantees offered“.
In recent days, the Côte-d’Or gendarmerie has noted an increase in burglaries. To do this, she gives some advice and asks for maximum involvement from residents of the neighborhoods concerned. To avoid the worst, the gendarmerie advises:
- Avoid showing signs of absence with closed shutters or with overflowing mail thanks to the help of neighbors or relatives;
- Equip your home with a video surveillance system;
- Above all, don’t forget to close the doors and windows, even for a short errand;
- Do not hide your keys under the doormat or under a stone
- And finally, to notify a trusted person in the event of a long absence.
The gendarmerie also explains that if any doubt persists, do not hesitate for a single second to dial 17 and obtain as much information as possible, such as a license plate. “You will never bother us too much“, she emphasizes on her social networks.
