In Hérault, the rising trend of rearview camera thefts has alarmed residents, with recent incidents involving multiple vehicles. Victims face significant repair costs, with local mechanics overwhelmed by demand and struggling with supply shortages. Thieves often target Renault models, exploiting their easy-to-remove cameras. This issue is linked to organized crime, with arrests made for the resale of stolen parts. Law enforcement has responded by creating a dedicated unit to address the increasing prevalence of spare part thefts.
Rising Theft of Rearview Cameras in Hérault
In Hérault, the trend of rearview camera thefts is alarming, with thieves increasingly targeting these valuable components. A recent incident in Montarnaud saw around twenty rearview cameras snatched from vehicles. One victim, Patrice Labaeye, shared his experience, stating, “The rearview camera was taken along with the entire Renault logo. The area lacks proper lighting at night, but I have outdoor lighting and a security camera. Yet, thefts still happen.” He recently had to replace his stolen camera, a financial burden that left him with a repair bill of 1,103 euros. “I had to change everything and repaint. Fortunately, the cable was just ripped out instead of being cut, which prevented further complications and expenses,” he added.
Impact on Local Residents and Mechanics
Not far from Patrice’s residence, another local resident recounted her struggle. “The thieves used a screwdriver to detach the rearview camera,” she explained to our team. Faced with a repair cost of 700 euros for a new camera, she is hesitant to proceed. “I’m considering just replacing the logo instead of the entire camera. If I install a new one and it gets stolen again, that would be concerning,” she expressed. This essential accessory, crucial for parking and maneuvering, is alarmingly easy to remove. Many social media platforms feature tutorial videos demonstrating how to detach a camera in mere seconds using simple tools. Thieves seem to favor Renault models, especially the Clio 5, Mégane 4, and Captur, as their cameras are typically secured with double-sided tape, making them easy targets.
In Montpellier, mechanic Thibault Saez has noticed a surge in repair requests but struggles to keep up with demand. “The supplies are not being replenished as quickly as they are being stolen,” he lamented. The delay in obtaining parts from manufacturers is exacerbated by the rampant online trafficking of these stolen items. With just a few clicks, one can find numerous rearview cameras available at significantly reduced prices—some as low as 15 euros, which is ten times cheaper than a brand-new unit.
According to David Leyraud, zonal secretary of the Alliance Police union, the thefts are part of a larger, organized operation. “It’s rarely an individual acting alone. Recently in Montpellier, there was an arrest related to the resale of a stolen rearview camera. Three individuals were involved in the sale, indicating an organized network from scouting to the physical sale of these parts,” he revealed. The situation has become serious enough that in Vitrolles, near Marseille, law enforcement has established a dedicated unit to tackle the growing issue of spare part thefts.