Insecurity linked to burglaries is a growing concern for many French people. At the start of 2025, a particularly worrying technique is spreading in France: the “manhole”. This method of break-in, which consists of cutting the bottom of a door to sneak in, raises new questions about the protection of homes. Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon and ways to protect against it.
The “manhole”: a booming burglary technique
The “manhole” technique is characterized by its simplicity and efficiency. Burglars, often of small build, cut the bottom of the front door to create a sufficient opening to slip through. This method mainly targets:
According to Reda Belhaj, IDF spokesperson for the SGP Police Unit union, these break-ins are generally carried out in broad daylight. The criminals, often minors, take advantage of the occupants’ absence to act quickly and discreetly.
A striking example is that of Steffan, a resident of the Paris region, who was a victim of this technique. When he returned home, he discovered his door damaged and his apartment broken into, with damage estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000 euros.
The scale of the burglary phenomenon in France
The figures for burglaries in France are alarming. Here is an overview of the situation:
| Indicator | Value |
| Annual number of burglaries or attempts | Environ 240 000 |
| Frequency | 1 every 2 minutes |
| Percentage of victim households - | Almost 2% |
| Increase in Paris in 2022 | 25 % |
The most affected regions are Île-de-France, Occitanie, Provence, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Hauts-de-France. Large cities concentrate the majority of cases, with a worrying upward trend.
Protecting your home: between necessity and cost
Faced with the increase in burglaries and the ingenuity of criminals, home protection is becoming an absolute priority. However, effective solutions have a significant cost:
- The armored door: it is the best protection against the “manhole” technique. Its price varies between 2,000 and 3,000 euros for entry-level models.
- Alarm systems: they effectively complete home security.
- The digital code: it adds an additional layer of security for collective buildings.
These investments, although costly, are proving increasingly necessary, particularly in at-risk urban areas. Residents of the Paris region, for example, are increasingly considering these security options.
Psychological and social impact of burglaries
Beyond material losses, burglaries have a profound psychological impact on victims. The resulting feeling of insecurity can have a lasting impact on quality of life. On the other hand, the multiplication of these acts contributes to creating a climateclimate of distrust in the affected neighborhoods.
Faced with this phenomenon, the authorities are struggling to provide an effective response. According to law enforcement, prison sentences for this type of delinquency are rare, which can encourage certain criminals to persevere in their illegal activities.
The preventionprevention and awareness raising remain major axes in the fight against this scourge. It is essential to strengthen collective vigilance and encourage responsible behavior by mattermatter home security.
The “manhole” technique illustrates the constant evolution of burglary methods. Faced with this threat, securing housing becomes a crucial issue, requiring collective awareness and individual investments.
