19.10.2026 13:21
During protests in France, while many stores were looted, footage emerged showing that stolen iPhones were remotely locked. The warning "Return the phone to where you got it" drew attention on the phones' screens. As the number of detentions in the country approached 2,400, security measures were increased in many cities due to violence and looting.
Protests that have continued for days in France have led to clashes between police and demonstrators and large-scale looting in many cities across the country. In many cities, especially Paris, store windows were smashed, and businesses selling electronic goods were also targeted.
In footage that emerged after the looting incidents, it was claimed that the seized iPhones became unusable and that warnings demanding the return of the devices appeared on their screens.
RETURN WARNING ON THE SCREENS OF LOOTED PHONES
In the shared images, it was alleged that some iPhones reported to have been looted had a message on their lock screen asking for the device to be taken back to the store where it was purchased.
The security systems Apple uses for demo devices displayed in stores allow the phones to be managed remotely and their use to be restricted under certain conditions.
However, it has not been independently verified which store the phones in the images were taken from, whether all of them are looted devices, or who carried out the locking process.
ELECTRONICS STORES LOOTED IN PARIS
After the large-scale protests held on October 17, violent incidents occurred in many parts of the capital, Paris.
Around Place de la République and in various shopping areas of the city, masked groups broke store windows and entered. Mobile phone shops, clothing stores, supermarkets, and other businesses were targeted by looters.
While shelves were emptied in some businesses, serious material damage occurred at many workplaces. Some shopkeepers in Paris stated that their stores had become unusable.
NEARLY 2,400 PEOPLE DETAINED
Hundreds of thousands of people participated in demonstrations across France that began as a reaction to the high cost of living, education conditions, and public services.
However, in addition to peaceful demonstrations, after some groups clashed with security forces, attacked public buildings, and looted workplaces, security measures were increased in many cities.
According to the latest statements, the number of people detained across the country has approached 2,400. Hundreds of police officers, gendarmerie personnel, and firefighters were injured in the clashes.
HISTORIC TOWN HALL ENGULFED IN FLAMES
One of the most notable locations of the violent incidents was the city of Limoges. The 19th-century town hall in the city was set on fire. While the roof of the historic building collapsed in the fire, fire crews made intensive efforts to bring the flames under control.
In cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux, vehicles were also set on fire, barricades were erected, and clashes occurred between security forces and demonstrators.
1,500 BUSINESSES SUFFERED DAMAGE
Alexandre Bompard, President of the French Trade and Distribution Federation, announced that approximately 1,500 retail businesses were affected by the incidents.
It was stated that the total damage could reach hundreds of millions of euros due to the looting of stores, smashed windows, and destruction of workplaces.
In Paris, some business owners began work to clean up their looted stores and reopen them.
STATEMENT FROM MACRON: HE ACKNOWLEDGED A SECURITY FAILURE
President Emmanuel Macron, in a statement after the incidents that shook the country, acknowledged that there had been shortcomings in the security forces' preparation and intelligence work.
While Macron emphasized that those involved in the violent incidents would be held accountable, he did not accept the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
Nuñez, for his part, acknowledged that police lost control in some areas during the weekend incidents.
TENSION CONTINUED ON SUNDAY
After the large demonstrations on October 17, new protests were held in Paris on Sunday, October 18. Police intervened with tear gas and stun grenades against the crowd gathered around Place de la République.
While efforts were underway to remove the debris of looted stores and vehicles set on fire in the capital, security forces took action again due to new incidents. As of October 19, while political and social tension in France continued, the economic effects of the protests also began to be felt. Losses were experienced on the French stock exchange, while the country's borrowing costs rose.