Tournefeuille, located just outside Toulouse, once held the unfortunate title of France's most burglarized commune, recording a staggering 300 burglaries for its population of 30,000 residents. This equated to one out of every 100 inhabitants affected by criminal activities. The onset of 2022 marked the beginning of increased awareness about safety and security, as the city grappled to find effective solutions to its rising crime rates.
Looking back, Dominique Fouchier, the mayor of Tournefeuille, labeled the previous year as "2022 was an atypical year." With the community desperate for change, municipal authorities had to act swiftly and decisively to reverse this alarming trend. By leveraging both human and material resources, they rolled out extensive initiatives aimed at bolstering public safety and reducing the frequency of break-ins.
One pivotal measure was the noticeable increase in police presence. According to local police brigadier Alex, "Residents of our town, when going on vacation, send us a form indicating their departure date and allow us to monitor their home." This proactive approach not only enhanced security but also provided peace of mind to the households involved. Police patrols have expanded, with the number of on-duty officers dedicated to security increasing from six to eleven.
Investment in modern surveillance technologies also played an integral role in this reduction of crime. The number of surveillance cameras was increased from 60 to 80, and plans are underway to install 100 cameras by 2025. Deputy Mayor Élisabeth Husson-Barnier explained, "This response occurred through both human and material means. We enhanced video protection and engaged citizens as part of our community involvement initiatives."
Part of this community effort included the establishment of the "participation citoyenne" framework, where 100 local residents were trained to act as public safety ambassadors. These engaged citizens now serve as the link between the public and law enforcement, reminding residents of best practices to prevent intrusions. Didier Hackspille, one of the members of this initiative, stated, "We distribute flyers and contact residents to communicate good practices." This collaboration has cultivated a sense of security among Tournefeuille’s residents and has contributed to the town’s overall safety strategy.
The impact of these initiatives has been substantial: 2023 delivered the good news of burglaries decreasing by 42%. Instead of being regarded as the city with the highest crime rates, Tournefeuille had successfully begun to evolve its reputation through commendable community endeavors. The collective and collaborative effort of city officials and citizens has shown positive results, paving the way for greater security.
Looking toward the future, authorities have noted promising trends continuing through 2024. With burglaries declining by 38% so far, the municipality feels encouraged by the collaborative efforts implemented and the proactive stance taken to combat crime. This upward trend signifies broader acceptance of enhanced policing strategies and innovative safety measures.
Tournefeuille's case exemplifies how municipalities can transform their safety landscapes through community participation, increased police engagement, and investment in technology. From being the most burgled city, Tournefeuille is revolutionizing its community's approach to security, ensuring residents feel safe and secure, whether they are at home or away.
