Since the January 20the inhabitants of Quimperin the department of Finistère in Franceare witnesses to a phenomenon as curious as it is worrying. Sheets of white paper were found slipped into their mailboxes, which put local authorities on alert and sowed panic among the population. It all started when residents reported the oddity, suspecting a technique used by thieves to spot empty houses.
The underside of an intriguing method
The first reports date from Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 January 2025. Neighbors discovered white A4 sheets lying at the base of their letterbox, rather than inserted normally. According to Ronan Louarn, police commander, these papers act as a “bell” (a term well known among cops), allowing potential burglars to see if the mail is picked up and therefore if the house is empty.
The national police received five calls from residents intrigued by this unusual event. These phone calls prompted the authorities to give some advice to avoid any problems.
How are the authorities reacting? Here is their advice
Faced with this disturbing situation, Commander Ronan Louarn declared on the Telegram: “We are dealing with a new modus operandi in Quimper. Several Quimper residents alerted us. » The police therefore call on everyone to be on guard and suggest some simple measures to avoid trouble. Residents must not only monitor their own mailboxes but also take a look at those of absent neighbors.
- If you find a blank sheet, you must remove it immediately and notify the local police station.
- And if you're going away for a long time, ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail regularly so your house doesn't seem deserted.
“This tip would make it possible to quickly check if the mail is collected and if there is a long absence,” specifies the police.
What effect does this have on the local community?
The warning issued by the police spread like wildfire on social networks where several Internet users shared their similar stories, thus helping to inform as many people as possible about this bizarre phenomenon. This express broadcast shows the importance of all being vigilant against these new schemes used by certain criminals.
-Residents are also encouraged to report any suspicious behavior in their neighborhood. Working hand in hand with law enforcement is seen as essential to stopping any burglary attempt using this stratagem.
These incidents are a reminder of how important it is for everyone to be alert to the strange things happening around them. Active citizen engagement can truly tip the scales for our collective security.
This strange event highlights a potential new strategy used by some unscrupulous individuals to target our homes. By remaining vigilant and following the recommendations of local authorities, we can all contribute effectively to securing our neighborhood.
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