Looting during a demonstration

A Lacoste store in Besançon was looted during a demonstration on Saturday, October 17, 2026, leading to several arrests by the national police. The incident occurred in the city center, where individuals were found in possession of new clothing from the brand, still with their labels and, for some, anti-theft devices.

First arrest on Rue Gambetta

The first arrest took place around 8:40 p.m. on Rue Gambetta, where a man was observed hiding an object under a parked vehicle. During a security search, a new Lacoste T-shirt and a jacket from the same brand were found. The 21-year-old suspect claimed he had found the items on the ground on Rue des Granges and admitted to trying to hide the T-shirt under the car in the presence of the police.

Arrest of a 15-year-old

Around 8:50 p.m. on Rue Luc Breton, a 15-year-old boy ran away upon seeing the police but was quickly intercepted. In his backpack, the police found numerous new Lacoste clothes still labeled. During his interrogation, the young man admitted to having kicked the store window and stolen three T-shirts.

Arrest of a 16-year-old

Ten minutes later, around 9 p.m., at Place Jouffroy d'Abbans, another teenager, aged 16, was checked on the instruction of the information and command center following the looting of the store. He was in possession of a new Lacoste sweatpants leg, still with its label. Placed in custody, he explained that he had accepted the garment offered by an individual he had met shortly before.

Arrest of a masked 15-year-old

Finally, at 9:05 p.m. on Rue Luc Breton, another 15-year-old, masked, was checked after having moved away from a group described as hostile in the presence of the police. He was in possession of a new sweater and jacket from Lacoste, with their labels and anti-theft devices. During his interrogation, he stated that he had filmed several individuals breaking the store window before a friend offered him the two clothes, which he accepted to take.