Beware of tool theft in the Pagny-sur-Moselle area, in Meurthe-et-Moselle. The gendarmerie warns against these organized “raids”. One of them occurred on the night of Wednesday November 6 to Thursday November 7 around Thiaucourt and Pont-à-Mousson. A fifteen craftsmen's vehicles were affected. The victims suffer several thousand euros in damage each time.
Having been warned, the department's Chamber of Trades and Crafts relays this call for caution. “These are real commandos but it's not new, explains Jean-Paul Daul, the president. You realize that the car has been forced into place when some material is missing.” The modus operandi favored by the criminals is as follows: they drill a small hole in the back door, above the lock. This then allows them to access the linkage and open the vehicle. “They only have one or two minutes”adds Jean-Paul Daul.
To deter burglars, Thierry, a carpenter in Pagny-sur-Moselle, installed armored locks. “They'll have to go straight to the grinder if they want to attack.” In the last two years, the craftsman has been robbed twice. The last time, eight other of his colleagues were victims, the same night. The craftsman had his screwdrivers, his saws stolen… all the portable equipment was stolen for a loss estimated at 4,500 euros. His insurance only reimbursed half, bringing into play the reason of the “obsolescence” of the tools. It also did not cover operating losses. Without his equipment, Thierry was unable to work for three days.
The gendarmerie recommends that craftsmen move their van into a secure shelter if they can. And remove valuable tools when they leave the vehicle.
