Visitors to France need assurance

A string of robberies in Paris have raised questions about safety in Europe’s grand city

Cameras are set up as police officers stand guard at the entrance to a hotel residence at the Rue Tronchet, near Madeleine, central Paris, on October 3, where US reality television star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint by assailants disguised as police who made off with millions, mainly in jewellery. Thomas Samson / AFPShow less

France has had a difficult year. With the backdrop of extremists attacks causing headaches, Paris has been recently rocked by a series of high-profile robberies. Social media star Kim Kardashian was robbed of $10m (Dh36m) in jewellery and other goods in a Paris hotel room in October. Yesterday, news broke of another robbery, this time targeting two Qatari sisters.

The women were robbed of €5m (Dh 19m) of jewellery when their car was intercepted on the way from the Paris-Le Bourget Airport. The thieves appear to have planned the attack as they sprayed their victims’ car with tear gas before stealing their suitcases. The latest attack echoes another robbery that targeted Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat and her French boyfriend last month. Masked robbers sprayed tear gas at the couple before stealing their handbags.

This spate of high-profile robberies raises serious questions about personal safety in one of the world’s greatest cities. With a strong dollar (and similarly strong Gulf currencies pegged to the dollar), many from our region are looking to take advantage of the favourable rates and plan a holiday to France or other parts of Europe.Without a clear directive from French authorities that they have the situation under control when it comes to crimes that appear to disproportionally target citizens of the Gulf, it is difficult to recommend a trip to Paris over other capitals such as Rome or London. The good news is that this issue has an easy remedy. French police and other authorities must be transparent with their plans to end this crime spree and reassure tourists from around the world that Paris is a safe and open city for all. At this time of tension around the world over fears of extremism and changing political leadership, we could all use a little extra assurance.

We have long enjoyed a special relationship with the City of Light and that will not change anytime soon. While authorities get the situation under control, however, a little extra caution can go a long way. Such advising for any travels away from home should be a part of every travellers manifesto.