Gironde residents offered grant of up to €150 to protect home from burglary

Residents near Bordeaux are being offered up to €150 by local authorities to help them install anti-burglary measures such as cameras and alarms.

The mairies at Taillan-Médoc, and at Bègles in Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, introduced the schemes after seeing a rise in the number of burglaries.

“The usual figures in our commune were between 50 to 80 burglaries a year. In 2024, we hit 102,” said Germain Isern, mairie director in Taillan-Médoc, to Le Figaro.

After consulting on possible solutions and prevention activities, the authority initially made €15,000 available for grants of up to €150 each, for residents who wish to improve the security of their homes.

“We had lengthy discussions with a police captain,” said Mr Isern. “He made us understand that video surveillance is not just about personal protection. Gradually, as more people install these systems, there will be fewer burglaries.”

The mairie has said that the scheme will cover “all devices that we consider to be anti-intrusion”, and added that it had received 122 applications so far (22 more than it had anticipated). It has added an extra €3,000 to its initial budget to help cover these extra applicants.

“There is a real word-of-mouth effect, and a real deterrent to burglars. No home equipped [with the new devices] has so far been burgled,” he said.

“We have seen a 50% reduction in burglaries compared to the same period last year. This is not solely the result of the subsidies, but they have undoubtedly contributed to it.”

Devices covered include:

• Security cameras

• Alarms

• Outdoor lighting

• Movement sensors

The nearby town of Bègles has been offering a similar scheme, this time with a cap of €100 per household (and a total mairie budget of €100,000 so far). 

Around 60 householders have already made use of the initiative, after many residents used the commune’s regular public meetings to request more help with security and safety.

“Burglary figures have risen across the Bordeaux metropolitan area,” said mayor Clément Rossignol-Puech. “We had been spared until now, but unfortunately a wave of burglaries has hit our area. 

“The authorities must respond. We can only stem this tide through joint action: residents, local authorities and the State,” he said.

So far, the scheme appears to have been effective, with a “slight decrease” in burglaries, he added. 

However, the scheme is still in the testing phase.

“We are only at the beginning…We are waiting to study purchases and see if we can adjust the assistance according to the living space, and also consider varying the cost of the assistance according to each person's income,” said Mr Rossignol-Puech.

Burglaries in France

Around a quarter of a million homes are burgled every year in France, particularly in summer as people leave for holidays (read what to do if it happens to you).

Many people are choosing to install new technology devices to improve security, although there are rules about where cameras can be installed and what they are permitted to monitor and record. Homeowners can be ordered to remove cameras if they are illegally installed.

Even if you choose not to install cameras or other devices most communes have an arrangement where you can ask your local gendarmerie to check on your home during any absences (Opération tranquillité vacances).

If they see any signs of trouble (such as damage, an attempted break-in, or a burglary), they will alert you or a nominated trusted neighbour.

This is intended to help you react as quickly as possible to limit the damage, such as by replacing locks, making an inventory of stolen objects, or beginning a claim with your insurance company.

Requests for the service must be made at least 48 hours before you leave, or want it to begin. You can sign up either at the police or gendarmerie station in person, or online.