In Sarthe, some victims of burglary share footage of suspects online, but the practice is illegal and hinders investigations.
Surveillance footage shared online
Some merchants and individuals who have cameras and have been victims of burglaries or attempted burglaries post video of the suspects on social media. This is happening in the Sarthe department, just like in other areas.
Legal concerns over the practice
Although these individuals may feel justified in seeking justice, sharing surveillance footage online is against the law in France. This is due to privacy laws and regulations regarding the handling of personal data.
Impact on criminal investigations
Posting such footage can interfere with official investigations. Law enforcement may not be able to use the information effectively if it has already been shared publicly on social media platforms.
Authorities warn against the trend
Local police in the Sarthe department have issued warnings about the risks of sharing surveillance footage online. They emphasize that it can hinder their ability to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.