the Bois de Boulogne, an area of ​​insecurity?

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It is one of the most paradoxical places in Paris: the Bois de Boulogne. On the right side, a quiet wooded area where luxury pavilions and gourmet restaurants coexist. On the front side, a worrying place where prostitution and violence are the norm. After the murder of Philippinefound buried in the woods on Saturday September 21, 2024, the 850 hectare area is the center of all attention.

Crimes on the rise

Delinquency in the Bois de Boulogne is not a new phenomenon, but certain offenses are increasing. At the end of May 2024, a report from the Information and evaluation mission of the Council of Paris had been published. The latter had pointed out the multiple crimes reigning there.

Thefts from vehicles are very common in the area. According to the report, these increased by 30% between 2022 and 2023. “During the day, it’s fine, but in the evening, vehicles can be broken into at any time,” a person working in the woods told us. According to the report, drug trafficking is also increasing. Although in decline, prostitution also remains very present.

An already important device

To compensate for all these offenses committed, many actors are present in the woods. Municipal police patrol on foot and by bicycle daily. The Republican Mounted Guard is also present for preventive purposes. At Police Headquarters, officers patrol on foot and in cars. The system put in place was also strengthened after the murder of Philippine.

A special brigade?

Since Philippine’s death, the question of security in the woods has once again come to the forefront. “It’s a very difficult place to secure, it’s more than 860 hectares, bigger than Central Park. We have been asking for more resources for many years, with the creation of a specific brigade for Wood,” declared Jeremy Reiflermayor of the 16th arrondissement, to our colleagues from France Blue.

Increased video surveillance is also requested by the councilor: “New cameras were installed this year, but it is not enough”. A request that should be granted, because a camera installation plan was voted on by the Paris Council. Video surveillance equipment should be present in greater numbers in the districts of the capital, and in particular in the Bois de Boulogne.

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