The prefect of Yonne wants to establish greater proximity between the territory's law enforcement agencies and traders. This is why, on Saturday December 21, 2024, he launched a security and proximity plan in urban areas.
“We are looking for relays”
“We want to establish a real bond of trust and give all the information to traders,” explained Pascal Jan in the morning, alongside police lieutenant Olivier Bougis and a reservist from the national police. In the future, law enforcement will be instructed to visit merchants in order to carry out prevention and gather information. “It’s going to really roll out starting today. We are looking for relays who can provide us with information. The police officer will not just pass in front of the store, he will enter the store to chat,” explains Pascal Jan, without specifying the frequency of these visits.
The first dialogues between the police and traders on Rue du Temple in Auxerre this Saturday demonstrated that the latter have things to say. “It’s true that the parking lots are very dark. Security is a real subject, in the evening when we go to the Arquebuse underground car park, we are not always reassured, we even go there with colleagues sometimes…”, reported the manager of a ready-to-wear brand.
Don't take risks
Further on, the manager of a perfume store says that “a man comes every day: he puts on perfume, he washes at the same time, as he says, in the store. His arrival is random, but it is true that it is problematic. Having a police force nearby will reassure everyone, even the customers…,” she believes. “Typically, this kind of information, it must be said,” encouraged Pascal Jan.
And how to react in the event of an attack or hold-up? “Above all, it is better not to resist if you are confronted with a thief. We can sometimes come across an unbalanced person whose reactions we ignore. In this case, it is best to avoid taking disproportionate risks. But rather remember the physical description, the clothing, elements that could be used in the investigation…” suggests Lieutenant Bougis. Beforehand, it is recommended to check the video protection systems and to securely lock the metal curtains: “it seems trivial, but it must be remembered. »
17cyber, an online chat with law enforcement
Another important point emerged from discussions between law enforcement and merchants: digital attacks. “Have you received information on digital hygiene? the prefect asks the manager of a tobacconist. “No, I’ve never had one, but today it’s true that we’re safe from nothing,” replies the manager. “If your accounting is blocked, for example, what do you do? “. Faced with all these problems, the merchant is somewhat taken aback and has no response.
To reassure him, Lieutenant Bougis reminds him of the recent implementation of the 17Cyber platform. Operational since December 17, 2024, it aims to fight against growing cyberdelinquency, which affects all levels of society, particularly traders. This tool, based on the same principle as “My Security”, allows victims of a cyberattack to obtain personalized advice and, if necessary, to contact directly, via a chat, a gendarme or a police officer (this choice is made automatically depending on the areas of jurisdiction). On the other side of the computer, a specially trained soldier – or agent – will be able to understand the situation in its entirety, thanks to a simple and clear exchange with the victim, analyze the extent of the threat and pose an initial diagnosis. “The idea is to be a switcher for the victim,” summarizes Lieutenant Olivier Bougis. We also want to show that the police are modernizing to be closer to people. »