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23/08/2011Crime and legal system in France

Crime and legal system in France Can you pinpoint a pick pocket? Know the legal system of France, including common crimes and where to be most cautious.

France is a country with relatively low rates of violent crime occurrences, but there are some neighbourhoods that are regarded more dangerous than others.

Small thefts like pick pocketing and purse snatching is very common all over France and can be done particularly in places like train stations, inside trains and from cars, dark alleys and corners. 

For travellers

The key is to be careful with documents. If you are a traveller, do not forget to make copies of everything considered important -- identity cards, passports, credit cards and telephone numbers of banks. 

Thieves in France are mostly interested in cash and laptop bags, so travellers should avoid carrying passports and other valuables in computer bags. Shoulder bags placed on the floor while a traveller is busy at the ticket or money exchange counter are tempting targets for thieves.

Car jacking and metro lines

Car thefts are another occurrence to be aware of. The highly-targeted vehicles are the ones with foreign license plates. The usual spots are in or near tourists attractions.

Many thefts occur on the metro line No. 1 running through the centre of Paris and tourist attractions (including the Grand Arch at La Defense, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, and the Bastille). 

Pickpockets are especially active on this line during the summer months and use a number of techniques. The most common is the simple “bump and snatch,” where an individual bumps into the tourist while at the same time reaching into the pockets/purse/bag. 

The Paris Police Prefecture publishes a pamphlet called "Paris in Complete Safety" providing practical advice and useful telephone numbers for visitors. The local equivalents to the 911 emergency line in France are: 

17 (police emergency)
18 (fire department) 
15 (emergency medical/paramedic team/ambulance). 

Please note that the standard European emergency telephone number 112.

For expats

While staying in France you need to know what’s legal.  Unlike English-speaking countries, which use a system of  "common law", France has a system of "civil law", a dual legal system.

The first branch, known as Droit public, or Public law, defines the principles of operation of the state and public bodies. This law is applied generally through public law courts, known as les Tribunaux. The other branch, known as Droit prive, or private law, applies to private individuals and private bodies.

By violating French laws, even unknowingly, you  may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in France are severe, and one can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Legal aid is easier to obtain, and cheaper, in France.  Anyone wanting legal aid should turn to the Maison de Justice, usually attached to the local Tribunal d'Instance. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, contact the local police and the nearest (according to the country) embassy or consulate.  

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2 reactions to this article

Phillip JAMES posted: 2011-08-25 10:07:11

I am having a spot of bother with a major French insurance company agency. They decided to impose a prelevement on my bank account without my authoristaion. They then extracted monies which caused my account to be overdrawn. When challenged about their illegal actions, they claimed that it was not their fault. The agent explained that he asked the bank for the money and the bank gave it to them, so its not their fault. Ergo the bank was at fault even though they issued a forged prelevement to the bank. I am planning on taking legal action when I receive the forged prelevement from my bank. Anyone out had a similar experience and can offer help/guidance. Many thanks in advance
Phillip JAMES

swizz posted: 2012-04-10 23:05:18

sorry to hear that but you are on your own on this one the french are notoriously known for not caring about anything this is what your bank has done meaning nothing good as per usual and then put the blame on someone else what a bunch of nothing the french for you.

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2 reactions to this article

Phillip JAMES posted: 2011-08-25 10:07:11

I am having a spot of bother with a major French insurance company agency. They decided to impose a prelevement on my bank account without my authoristaion. They then extracted monies which caused my account to be overdrawn. When challenged about their illegal actions, they claimed that it was not their fault. The agent explained that he asked the bank for the money and the bank gave it to them, so its not their fault. Ergo the bank was at fault even though they issued a forged prelevement to the bank. I am planning on taking legal action when I receive the forged prelevement from my bank. Anyone out had a similar experience and can offer help/guidance. Many thanks in advance
Phillip JAMES

swizz posted: 2012-04-10 23:05:18

sorry to hear that but you are on your own on this one the french are notoriously known for not caring about anything this is what your bank has done meaning nothing good as per usual and then put the blame on someone else what a bunch of nothing the french for you.

Add a comment

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