The 2024 Olympic Games have been accompanied by a massive deployment of police officers in Paris and the French cities hosting the events. But despite these ambitious measures, crime is not decreasing overall—proof of a deep-rooted structural problem in French society.
On Wednesday, July 24th, two days before the opening of the Games, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin boasted that crime would be reduced to “virtually zero,” thanks to an increased police presence, particularly in Paris. However, the figures do not give cause for optimism, despite improvements in a number of specific indicators. Crime is shifting and changing, but it is not disappearing.
A distinction must be made between Paris and its region and the rest of the country. As a clear result of the increased police presence at Olympic venues, ‘deliberate destruction and damage’ have fallen considerably in areas hosting Olympic venues in the Paris region, while the rest of the country continues to be affected. The same applies to ‘theft related to vehicles’ and ‘drug-related offences.’
Apart from these indicators, the results are negative and give a negative image of the country hosting the Games for tourists and spectators who have come to watch the sporting events. Indictments for drug use soared (+42%). Fraud is on the rise, including illegal ticket reselling to attend the Games. The city of Marseille, in keeping with its unfortunate reputation, was the scene of some very unpleasant experiences: a member of the Australian delegation was robbed, while the president of the Swiss sailing delegation was assaulted by a Uber driver. Across the country, intentional assaults remain at a high level—in particular against firefighters and police officers; more than 40 offences a day have been recorded against that population.
In Paris, 35,000 police officers are currently deployed, with a peak of 45,000 on July 26th, the day of the opening ceremony. The occasional feeling of improved security experienced by some is therefore due to a transitory magnifying glass effect. It will make it difficult to return to reality once the games are over.
