This Thursday, July 17, Anthony Borré, the first Deputy Mayor of Nice, launched VigiCommerce, a program aimed at enhancing the security of businesses by directly involving shopkeepers.
Security: a priority for Christian Estrosi. In the Chérêt room of Nice’s City Hall, Anthony Borré reiterated: “Mayors are obliged to open schools, have a CCAS, and conduct sports and cultural policies, but not security policies. However, this is the choice we have made. No visitor wants to go to a destination known for being crime-ridden.”
In 2024, 82% of French shopkeepers reported being victims of theft, a 15.5% increase compared to 2023. The municipality has focused on two major priorities: homeless populations and drug trafficking. These are recurring issues, notably on Tiranty Street (which closed this Wednesday until July 22), as cited by Anthony Borré: “We never do this with pleasure. But when you’ve been writing to the relevant health authorities and the state every six months for three years to report someone being pricked, threatened… Either you give up, or you roll up your sleeves and create a shock.”
Shopkeepers on the Security Frontline
In this context, the mayor wanted to create a new program to allow shopkeepers to report minor offenses or crimes. Called VigiCommerce, “it is based on simple things.” The goal is to forge a close link between law enforcement and the shopkeepers, with direct involvement of the latter. The program is launched in a pilot phase. A three-month experiment will be conducted, with the possibility of modifying its modalities along the way.
VigiCommerce is a network inspired by the model of neighborhood watch. Thus, each city sector may have one or more security referents. “No neighborhood is alike; there are areas with more shopkeepers than others. So one or more shopkeepers, depending on the sector, will have a direct link with the municipal police, via a dedicated and shared WhatsApp chain.” This Thursday, practical tools like flyers were also provided to explain all existing programs.
“The idea is for shopkeepers to be field relays, spreading information in case of an alert,” assures the first Deputy Mayor. And this is for all types of offenses: shoplifting, broken windows, assault… They will be able to report sector needs, such as the absence of cameras or emergency buttons.
Strengthening the Current Program
In Nice, more than 500 businesses are equipped with security systems combining video surveillance, SMS alerts, and personalized support from municipal services. VigiCommerce is merely an extension of significant underlying work.
“We do a lot, starting with alert buttons coupled with video surveillance cameras. We are the only ones in France. There are also real-time SMS alerts. We have about 60 alerts per year. Free safety audits are offered; the municipal police can determine if your business is adequately protected and provide a diagnosis. If necessary, they can give recommendations.”
The city of Nice provides professionals with a direct hotline for quickly addressing on-the-ground concerns (Shopkeeper Referent, 07 77 84 77 79), as well as an email address: prevention.commercants@ville-nice.fr. Moreover, the now well-known code word “Ask for Angela” allows women victims of violence to find refuge in partner shops trained for this emergency reception.
The Urban Supervision Center (CSU) remains accessible to the public, with nearly 1,500 visits per year, highlighting the importance of the link between citizens, shopkeepers, and security forces. Finally, a specialized brigade, in place for four months, patrols the city districts daily to ensure a constant field presence. A strong and tangible commitment with a single goal: to offer shopkeepers a peaceful and safer working environment.
