Police authorities in Paris announce a major crackdown on pickpockets and petty crime around the Eiffel tower
(Picture: PA)Police in Paris have announced their intention to crack down on fraudsters and pickpockets after a series of incidents has been reported around the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The police operation will tackle crime partly to boost the French capital’s reputation before they host the Olympic Games in 2024, and reassure tourists.
It comes after an incident occurred last weekend, when a group of souvenir vendors reportedly hit a local youth with bottles. He was injured after he attempted to steal miniature Eiffel Tower souvenirs.
The level of crime in the Champ de Mars public gardens, near the Eiffel Tower, has increased recently, which could impact France’s reputation during the Olympic Games.
“We are going to saturate the site to fight against crime and to disperse the troublemakers,” Laurent Nuñez, the Paris police chief, said in a statement.
Paris is a hotspot for criminal activity
Like many major cities, there is a risk of being pickpocketed in Paris.
A major police operation was launched back in May to help reduce criminal activity around the tower. This led to a drop in crime but the site still remains vulnerable.
One of the biggest hotspots for pickpockets is the main stretch of pavement from the Champ-de-Mars-Bir Hakeim metro and RER station to the Eiffel Tower.
It is often the scene of many crimes as it is where most tourists get on and off the Metro to walk to the tower.
Last year, authorities made a number of arrests of numerous young girls pickpocketing around the area.
In December, Paris police arrested 19 people believed to be the ringleaders after a three-year operation with the Paris police judiciaire, and Spanish and Italian authorities.
It was found the gang was responsible for around two-thirds of thefts on the Metro, netting around €1.3m.
Denying the location is forgotten about when it comes to crime, Nuñez said to BFM, a television news channel. “You cannot say it is a sector that we have abandoned. It’s completely false. We are really present here. It’s a priority sector.
“We are going to continue and to amplify these actions in the run-up to the Olympics.”
