Véronique Bernardini: "Safety is an absolute priority"

Faced with an increase in drug trafficking and an increased presence of marginalized populations for about three years, the town of Hyères has been experiencing a deterioration of safety in its heart.

In response to the concerns raised by her constituents, the mayor, Véronique Bernardini, detailed an action plan combining enforcement, prevention, and inter-institutional dialogue.

The concerns expressed by our residents are legitimate and must be heard

The State urged to provide significant reinforcements

As safety is primarily the responsibility of the State, action was taken at the highest level. On August 10, a letter was sent to the ministre de l’Intérieur to request an increase in the staff of the police nationale.

At the same time, the Municipality obtained a reinforcement of its participation in the Groupes de partenariats opérationnels (GPO), led by the police nationale. Three meetings have been scheduled to improve coordination between law enforcement and local actors, moving from a reactive approach to a targeted resolution of local issues.

Local action is not lagging behind. Véronique Bernardini indicated that she discussed, on September 10, with the president of the Sénat, Gérard Larcher, the need to examine a bill aimed at expanding the powers of municipal police forces.

Concrete local measures

On an operational level, a reorganization of services has begun. It includes recruiting canine police officers and reinforcing the night brigade to increase the presence of officers.

Instructions have been given to intensify patrols in sensitive areas such as the train station, the city center, and the harbor.

Municipal decrees regulating alcohol consumption and public disorder are subject to increased vigilance. In addition, a decree banning the use of scooters and other personal motorized transportation devices in the old town is going to be published.

Prevention and social action

Recognizing that the security response cannot be the only lever, the mayor emphasizes the importance of prevention and social connection.

Dialogue with associations and local actors continues in order to adjust local community initiatives. Work is being done to optimize the coordination of outreach patrols for the most vulnerable populations.

Operations to clear and clean public spaces, such as in the area of the old port station and the parking Arromanches, will continue "as long as necessary."

Finally, Véronique Bernardini announced that she would present an assessment and a detailed action plan during a Conseil local de sécurité et de prévention de la délinquance (CLSPD).

The safety of every resident is an absolute and daily priority that requires seriousness, in-depth work, and cohesion