Lyon Police Crack Down on Car Thefts at Bellecour Parking Garage
Lyon, April 24 – Police in Lyon have arrested two brothers suspected of carrying out a series of car thefts in the underground parking garage of Place Bellecour, a central hub in the city. The arrests follow an investigation into numerous incidents that began in March, with at least 16 thefts attributed to the duo since late 2025.
The spree of thefts, targeting vehicles within the Indigo parking facility on the Saône side of Place Bellecour, prompted a police investigation. Authorities were alerted to the escalating problem when a Peugeot electric car was stolen in March, followed by a surge in reports of other car break-ins.
Investigation Uncovers a Pattern of Thefts
Detectives from the property crime brigade initiated an investigation, meticulously reviewing surveillance footage from the parking garage. This crucial evidence allowed them to identify two individuals consistently involved in the thefts. The perpetrators were observed calmly leaving the scene via public transport, specifically the Metro A line.
Further investigation involved forensic analysis, with fingerprints discovered at the crime scenes providing a crucial lead. These prints helped police identify one of the suspects, a man in his twenties, residing in Vaulx-en-Velin, a commune in the Lyon suburbs.
Surprise Double Arrest at Suspect’s Home
An operation was launched last Thursday to apprehend the identified suspect at his home. To the surprise of the investigators, the second individual seen in the Bellecour parking garage footage was also present at the apartment. This turned out to be the first suspect’s younger brother, a minor.
Telephonic records further corroborated the minor’s presence at the crime scenes, solidifying the evidence against both siblings. Following their arrests, the minor was referred to a judge, while the elder brother received a significant sentence of 18 months in prison with a committal order.
Addressing a Growing Concern in Lyon
The successful apprehension of these individuals is a significant development in addressing a concerning trend of car thefts in central Lyon. The Bellecour parking garage, a popular and busy location, had become a recurring target for these opportunistic crimes.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of Lyon police to combat property crime and ensure the safety of residents and their belongings. The rapid response and thorough investigation led to the swift resolution of this series of thefts, bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The police continue to urge vehicle owners to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to secure their cars, even in seemingly safe environments like underground parking facilities.
