20.10.2026 11:41
In Marseille, France, looters have begun targeting homes in wealthy neighborhoods after stores and businesses. While burglaries targeting residences have increased security concerns, criticism has been made that French authorities have not intervened sufficiently in the incidents.
Security concerns are growing in the French city of Marseille after street incidents. Along with images shared on social media, it has been seen that looters are now targeting not only stores and businesses but also residences in the city's wealthy neighborhoods.
Posts indicating that homes in particularly affluent neighborhoods have begun to be entered have raised concerns that the incidents have been taken to a new dimension.
HAVE THE LOOTING INCIDENTS SPREAD TO HOMES?
While images showing that stores and commercial businesses were targeted had previously been shared, the prominence of homes in recent claims drew attention.
The targeting of homes creates a new risk for the safety of residents, as it would mean that the street incidents are moving directly into people's living spaces.
CRITICISM TOWARD SECURITY FORCES
In accounts sharing the images, it was argued that thieves were acting more freely, thinking that security forces would not intervene.
WHAT HAPPENED IN FRANCE?
On October 17, demonstrations in which hundreds of thousands of people participated were held in France against the high cost of living, educational conditions, and problems in public services. Some of the protests, which initially proceeded peacefully, turned into violent incidents. In many cities, especially Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice, masked groups broke store windows, looted businesses, and set vehicles on fire.
Luxury brand stores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and small businesses were targeted by looting. In the capital, Paris, major damage also occurred in shopping areas where stores of brands such as Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior are located.
NUMBER OF DAMAGED BUSINESSES REACHES 3,000
The economic toll of the incidents in France over the weekend is becoming increasingly severe. While initial statements indicated that approximately 1,500 businesses were affected, as of October 20 this number had risen to at least 3,000.
While the damage to the retail sector is estimated to reach hundreds of millions of euros, insurance companies have begun damage assessment work. Some businesses were forced to close their shutters, while business owners complained about inadequate security measures.
2,400 PEOPLE DETAINED
According to data from the French Ministry of the Interior, approximately 2,400 people were detained in the incidents over the weekend. Many police officers were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters.
The government launched a large-scale investigation to identify those involved in the incidents. In the Paris region alone, approximately 200 investigators were assigned to examine security cameras and images shared on social media.
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO IMPOSE CURFEW
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu requested the implementation of partial curfews in some areas to prevent looting and violence. Lecornu announced that a comprehensive security operation had been launched to restore public order, while saying that the option of a state of emergency could also be considered if necessary.
The government also asked internet platforms to remove listings related to stolen products and to cooperate with security units to identify those selling these products.
MACRON REACTS TO VIOLENT INCIDENTS
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the looting and arson incidents during the protests and announced that action would be taken against those responsible. While student organizations and various protest groups in the country call for new demonstrations, the government continues its work both to restore public order and to support businesses that were damaged.