during the holidays, law enforcement wants to “dissuade” thieves

They attract attention and do not go unnoticed. During the end-of-year holidays, the police in Loir-et-Cher carefully survey the city center businesses and shopping malls, all crowded in the run-up to Christmas. “There is a lot of money, a lot of inventory and merchandise. Securing these places helps deter thieves.explains squadron leader Cindy Bourgeois, who commands the Blois gendarmerie company. But also to reassure traders and the population. »

She and two soldiers from the Veuzain-sur-Loire brigade strolled around the Carrefour in Villebarou, Friday December 20, 2024. “We monitor the parking lots. Going into stores can worry people”she emphasizes. “We look at the condition of the cars, the license plates, if there is any suspicious behavior such as a car that does not park, that remains in stand-by »confirm Chief Marshal Marion and Constable Damien.

Daily patrols and “contact”

If the year was marked by more burglaries than armed robberies, vigilance is required. This is evidenced by the reinforcement of soldiers from the Psig de Blois on the patrol, in the shopping mall, which was very busy at the end of the afternoon. ” Everything is fine ? »questions a gendarme at the Carrefour vigil. “Yes, yes, it’s quiet. » Around them, other brands (tobacco, perfume, etc.) line up in the aisles. So many potential targets.

“We make contact, we advise merchants, such as changing the routine for loading money into the bank, for example. They are happy to see us. In the end, the gendarmes pass by the businesses in their territory every day, in vehicles or on foot”argues squadron leader Cindy Bourgeois, between the carts full of busy buyers.

A few days later, Monday December 23, 2024, an even more compact crowd faced the three Blesois police officers in the heart of the E.Leclerc shopping center in Blois, in the middle of the morning. There, as at Auchan Vineuil, a presence “daily” is assured, confides Brigadier-Chief Raphaël. “We haven't had any armed robberies either, but we come to prevent them. There may be some shoplifting but it is handled amicably by the security guards, without necessarily calling us. »

“You have to be careful”

Between the stands of bracelets, oysters and gifts, their eyes methodically scan the vast aisle crowded with customers. “We are here to reassure them and make them feel safe”say the two peacekeepers who accompany him. 

“We look to see if a person stays in front of the store and doesn’t move. You have to be careful if someone comes several times without buying anything, especially at the end of the day to scout around and see when it closes. Don't hesitate to call us in case of suspicion, it's our job.” continues the chief brigadier.

Behind him, the checkouts are always full and the queues are getting longer, with major purchases to garnish the base of the tree or the festive tables. “We will try to get back to closing anyway. There will still be a lot of people. » A new opportunity to show off and discourage potential thieves.