A recent TF1 news report highlights a troubling trend of thefts targeting gourmet food producers, particularly during the festive season. After two hooded individuals stole 200 valuable sheep cheeses from a dairy farm, concerns have risen among local producers about increased criminal activity. Incidents of daylight thefts have also been reported, prompting farmers to enhance security measures. Law enforcement is actively monitoring agricultural areas, but the threat of opportunistic thefts persists, raising fears among producers about the safety of their products.
The evening news broadcast on TF1 unveils a shocking incident: two hooded individuals, equipped with headlamps, stealthily infiltrate a cheese factory under the cover of darkness. Their actions appear premeditated, as they break down a door and gain access to the production area, ultimately reaching the aging rooms. Régis Junqua, a dairy farmer and cheese maker from Artigueloutan in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, describes the events that transpired last year, stating, “Clearly, they must have scouted the place in the days before.”
The robbers made off with 200 sheep cheeses, including some of the most valuable varieties. Junqua explains, “They took the most aged cheeses, those that command higher prices in the market,” resulting in an estimated loss of 40,000 euros. This theft occurred just weeks before Christmas, amplifying the impact on the producer’s earnings during a critical time of year.
Thieves with No Typical Profile
As the festive season approaches, the allure of gourmet products seems to attract opportunistic thieves. Junqua notes, “The next day, an hour from here, in Saint-Giron, there was a theft of 500 hams,” indicating a concerning trend among local producers. With the holidays drawing near, he expresses his apprehension about the possibility of similar incidents occurring again this year, saying, “We are a little apprehensive, even very much so.”
The threat of theft is not limited to nighttime hours; some incidents occur in broad daylight. Benjamin Vidal, a foie gras producer and seller, recalls a distressing experience where a group of six entered his shop with a stroller. “They had time to load the foie gras into the stroller without our saleswomen noticing,” he explains, resulting in the loss of around thirty premium jars. To bolster security, he has invested in cameras for his three shops, an expense of nearly 1,500 euros annually, but one he believes is necessary for peace of mind.
Local law enforcement is also taking measures to combat these thefts. In the Chinon area, truffle farms are closely monitored. Chief Warrant Officer Jennifer Lecoustey advises producers to be vigilant, stating, “You have to keep a close eye, try to see if there are any hidden people in the field.” The gendarmes conduct foot patrols and educate farmers about safeguarding their valuable truffles, which can be sold for over 1,000 euros per kilo. Chief Warrant Officer Olivier Poulichet adds that signage indicating “video surveillance zone” can serve as a deterrent to potential thieves.
While video surveillance is vital, it is not always foolproof. The region sees approximately ten reported thefts annually. Poulichet asserts, “There is no typical profile,” noting that even everyday individuals may be tempted to pilfer from the fields, not necessarily aiming for large quantities but rather seeking to enhance their holiday meals.
Producers like Serge Desazars express concern about professional thieves targeting their truffles for resale on the black market. “They know there are cameras, they wear hoods, and they often bring dogs with them. That is our worst enemy,” he laments. Despite installing fences, he feels that these measures are inadequate against determined criminals. With the theft season commencing earlier this year, five operators in the industry have already fallen victim to thefts in Chinon.