A burglary in Monchecourt has left the community reeling after thieves stole around €60,000 worth of tools and equipment from the town hall. Video evidence suggests a coordinated group was involved, with similar crimes occurring in neighboring areas. Rising copper thefts have also been reported, prompting local officials to implement security measures such as surveillance cameras. Despite insurance coverage, the lengthy recovery processes are causing frustration and vulnerability among residents.
Burglary Shock in Monchecourt: A Community in Turmoil
In the small town of Monchecourt in the Nord region, Cédric Tonka, the head of technical services, is grappling with disbelief after a devastating burglary. “I arrived at seven in the morning, and the first door was smashed,” he recounts, reflecting on the chaos that unfolded. The town hall’s storage area has been completely stripped bare, with an estimated €60,000 worth of tools and equipment stolen. “The jigsaw, the sander, all our screwdrivers, and lawnmowers are gone,” he continues, detailing the loss. The burglars even managed to steal the town’s truck after breaking through a gate.
A Coordinated Crime Spree
Video surveillance footage reveals the suspects leaving the scene at 3:45 AM, accompanied by two getaway vehicles. However, they abandoned the truck just a kilometer away, likely due to mechanical issues. Mayor Jeanne Roman suspects a larger group was involved, stating, “It’s not feasible for one or two individuals to clear out so much equipment in just 15 minutes.” Similar thefts have been reported in neighboring towns, leading authorities to question whether these incidents are linked. “Why target a small town of just 2,500 residents? We’re devastated—without trucks, trailers, or equipment, we’re left wondering how to cope,” shares Roman.
The demand for copper has made it a prime target for thieves, who are also stealing sewer covers, cables, and even old wells. A recent incident in Barbezières, Charente, saw a well equipped with a crane stolen without anyone noticing. “Why would anyone steal something so outdated and worth barely a few hundred euros?” a local resident questions. The mayor is actively searching for answers, scouring online marketplaces for stolen items. “There are some listings that look similar, but not much else at the moment,” she adds.
Colonel Marie-Laure Pezant, spokesperson for the national gendarmerie, highlights that the culprits can range from isolated individuals to organized groups scouting for valuable tools. These groups often execute larger thefts and resell the stolen goods online or at flea markets.
Another troubling trend is the theft of copper from streetlights. In Courdemanche, Sarthe, a recent incident left 400 meters of streetlights dark after thieves cut through the main copper supply cable. “They just cut, pull, and it’s done,” laments Mayor Francis Boussion, who now faces a loss of €16,000. In response, he has decided to take action by welding shut the traps of the streetlights, stating, “To open them, they will need blowtorches. This will create noise, sparks, and take time—hopefully deterring them.”
Increasingly, local officials are adopting deterrent measures, even in remote areas. In Treis-Sants-en-Ouche, which has a population of just 1,400, the town is investing €8,000 in installing 16 video surveillance cameras. The recent theft of a picnic table has heightened concern. Deputy Mayor Gérard Filet observes, “Bernay is the largest nearby town, and as they enhance their security, crime is shifting to smaller villages. What they can’t take in the city, they come searching for in the countryside.”
While insurance may cover the costs of these thefts, the lengthy restoration processes and complicated claims can leave these communities feeling vulnerable and frustrated.