Recent weeks have seen a significant increase in reports of electric cable thefts in the Lorraine region of France. This alarming trend has caught the attention of local authorities and is impacting both communities and residents. Police and municipal leaders are actively addressing the situation as incidents escalate throughout various communes.
Rising Electric Cable Thefts in Lorraine
The electric cable thefts are occurring in several areas, including Meurthe-et-Moselle and the Vosges. Notable locations affected include:
- Moyenmoutier
- Chaumousey
- Châtenois
- Contrexéville
In Contrexéville alone, multiple thefts have been reported within a 15-day period. Just last week, thieves stole 350 meters of cable from the area. Mayor Luc Gerecke has expressed concerns over the situation. He noted that the police are struggling to manage the issue as many thefts occur during the night.
Community Response and Challenges
The mayor stated, “We are monitoring the neighborhoods, especially those with opened cabinets, which may indicate potential future burglaries.” The ongoing rise in copper prices adds to the urgency of the situation, as it incentivizes criminal activity.
Despite efforts to increase vigilance, it remains challenging to catch the suspects, who are described as “furtive.” Currently, three streets in Contrexéville lack street lighting due to the thefts, leaving residents feeling unsafe. One resident, Patricia, mentioned her fears while navigating dark areas.
Impact Across Meurthe-et-Moselle
The Meurthe-et-Moselle area is also experiencing numerous reports of electric cable thefts. Gendarmerie officials have identified specific hotspot regions:
- Toulois, especially along departmental road 611
- Liverdun
- Lunéville and surrounding areas
While some areas in the Pays-Haut seem less affected, authorities emphasize the necessity of remaining vigilant. The thefts tend to occur near significant roadways, targeting less monitored networks, particularly those undergoing transitions to fiber optic systems.
Frequency of Thefts
According to local gendarmerie reports, electric cable thefts are becoming increasingly frequent. In some instances, hundreds of meters of cable have been stolen in a single incident. This trend poses a serious challenge for law enforcement and community safety in Lorraine.
As the situation develops, residents and local officials continue to seek effective strategies to combat the rise in electric cable thefts and restore safety in the affected areas.
