The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture presented the crime figures for the summer of 2025 on Friday, September 12. According to Prefect Laurent Hottiaux, the results indicate a noticeable decrease in recorded incidents, both in Nice and Cannes, thanks to the mobilization of security forces.
The summer of 2025 represented a specific challenge for law enforcement. With the influx of tourists and the organization of numerous festive and sporting events, the pressure on public security remained high. Prefect Laurent Hottiaux reviewed the two summer months, from July 1 to August 31, comparing the results with those of 2024.
At the departmental level, public roadway crime incidents dropped by 10.15%. Property offenses decreased by 6.78%, violent thefts fell by 35.50%, and burglaries were down 18.69%.
“Once again this summer, security forces were extremely mobilized on all fronts, both on the coast and inland, to ensure the safety of all Maralpins and the numerous tourists,” declared the prefect, who applauded the action of the police and gendarmes.
Enhanced Surveillance in Nice and Cannes
In the Azure capital, the trend is significant. Property offenses decreased by 11.14%. Violent thefts dropped by nearly half (-49.38%). Pickpocketing incidents saw a reduction of 28.71%.
In Cannes, a similar pattern emerged, with a 15.13% decrease in public roadway crime incidents. Property offenses declined by 8.35%, burglaries were down 19.79%, and pickpocketing incidents fell by 22.05%.
Special attention was given to luxury watch thefts, a phenomenon that had marked previous summer seasons. Seventeen incidents were recorded between July and August 2025, compared to twenty-five in 2024, representing a 32% decrease. The resolution rate also improved, increasing from 20% to 47%.
To explain these results, the prefecture highlights the reinforced presence of mobile units, notably the CRS, as part of the National Enhanced Security Plan. Collaborations with municipal police forces are also emphasized.
Crackdown on Street Vending
The city of Cannes was the subject of specific operations against illegal street vending. Between January and September, fourteen operations were conducted by the Departmental Directorate of Population Protection, in collaboration with the municipality. These led to the seizure of 5,030 items valued at slightly over 50,000 euros.
These actions were carried out notably during the Cannes Yachting Festival, with the support of municipal services and under the prefect’s authority.
Beyond the summer, the prefecture published a broader report covering the first eight months of the year. At the departmental level, property offenses decreased by 4.29% and violent physical assaults dropped by 24.11%. Burglaries of primary and secondary residences decreased by 1.07%.
In Nice, the decrease reached 4.22% for property offenses and 31.29% for violent offenses. In Cannes, the figures indicated a reduction of 6.14% in property offenses and 10% in physical assaults. Burglaries of primary and secondary residences fell by 17.59%.
“Zero Tolerance” Declared by the Prefect
In his communication, Laurent Hottiaux emphasized the continuity of state action: “The summer season is over, but the fight against crime continues more than ever under my authority, relentlessly, with a strict application of zero tolerance, and with clear and ambitious objectives, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking.”
The emphasis is on maintaining constant vigilance, beyond periods of high activity. The strategy relies on the visible presence of law enforcement, cooperation with municipalities, and the targeting of specific infractions, such as street vending or watch thefts in Cannes.
