This yours? Police seek owners of 200 stolen objects

Photos of the objects in question are available online, catalogued from 1-59; 60-119; and 120-185, as presented by Le Figaro newspaper.

The collection includes rings, watches, brooches, handbags, silver cutlery, paintings, statues, vases, precious coins, medals, and more.

The objects are said to come from thefts involving trick situations (known in French as “vols à la fausse qualité” or “false quality theft”).

This is defined as a situation in which two or more thieves come to victims’ front doors claiming to be plumbers, electricians or even police officers, and, while one or more of the perpetrators distract the homeowner, the main thief rifles through the house looking for objects to steal, which they then take before the owner has noticed.

An enquiry from the judiciary police of Bordeaux and Lille has now allowed them to uncover this large number of valuable stolen objects, all taken via this “fausse qualité” technique.

Anyone believing themselves to be the owner of any of these objects is invited to contact the Bordeaux police by email (dipj.bordeaux@interieur.gouv.fr) or telephone (05.57.85.75.41).

If any doubt emerges as to your identity, the police may ask you some questions to establish whether you really are the owner - and may ask for proof of residence, including bills in your name.