As summer peaks, Lyon is prioritizing the safety of its residents and millions of tourists. The Prefect of Rhône, Etienne Guyot, visited Old Lyon on Thursday, July 23, to unveil the comprehensive security measures implemented for the season. The Fourvière district, home to the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, attracts 3.4 million visitors annually.
Enhanced Security Presence in Tourist Hotspots
To manage the significant influx of tourists, law enforcement personnel have been increased. In addition to national and municipal police, units from the CRS (Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité), BAC (Anti-Crime Brigade), Sentinel forces, and a river brigade have been deployed. Old Lyon, a historic and highly frequented area, is a prime target for pickpockets.
Prefect Guyot noted an overall decrease in various crimes across the metropolitan area, including a 25% reduction in car thefts, 7% in scooter thefts, and 17% in pickpocketing. However, he specifically highlighted a concerning rise in thefts within the 5th arrondissement, stating this at the foot of Saint-Jean Cathedral.
Prefect’s Tour Highlights Security Challenges and Solutions
During his visit, the Prefect followed a typical tourist route, starting from the Fourvière Basilica, taking the funicular to Saint-Jean Cathedral, traversing the streets of Old Lyon to Bellecour, and concluding in La Guillotière, a district known for its security challenges.
The strategy primarily relies on the visible presence of uniformed officers to deter criminals. Additionally, extensive video surveillance cameras monitor movements and help track perpetrators of offenses. Prefect Guyot urged both residents and tourists to remain vigilant: “Always look around you, stay in groups. Relaxation does not preclude certain precautions.”
Warning Against New Scams: Fake TCL Agents
Pickpockets are constantly evolving their methods. Earlier in July, a new scam emerged in Lyon’s public transport network, where individuals posed as TCL (Lyon’s public transport system) agents, wearing the distinctive vests typically worn by legitimate staff.
Nelson Bouard, Interdepartmental Director of the National Police, emphasized the importance of verifying the credibility of individuals claiming to be officials. “You must be careful about the professionals you are dealing with, see if their discourse is credible, and in any case, do not part with your bank card, for example. A TCL agent will never ask you for your bank card PIN, or to take it to pass it through a distributor. You keep your belongings with you and do not make them available, even to an agent in a vest.”
This increased security presence and public awareness campaign are crucial steps in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone in Lyon.
