Reports of truck thefts have surged along French corridors, prompting the government in Paris to implement urgent protocols. In response, the French gendarmerie activated a fast-report channel via the emergency number 17, enabling carriers to alert authorities about robberies targeting commercial trucks and to streamline on-the-spot checks.
Sources connected with Transport Fenadismer note a noticeable rise in truck thefts across French territory in recent months, with particular pressure on diesel reserves. On international routes, especially those entering France from Spain, tanks often arrive with full fuel loads. The typical value of stolen diesel on these routes can reach around 3,000 euros per incident because fuel prices are lower at border points compared with the rest of Europe.
The French gendarmerie has established a dedicated protocol for Spanish drivers who fall victim to highway robberies, whether fuel or cargo theft. Reporting remains straightforward through the emergency number 17, ensuring rapid attention and documentation of the incident.
Transport associations have condemned the uptick in thefts involving Spanish fleets on French soil, noting that vehicles are particularly vulnerable when parked at service areas and rest stops along major international corridors. The risk increases after drivers complete mandatory breaks, leaving trucks unattended for short spells.
In many cases, thefts center on diesel drawn from tanks with capacities of 1,500 liters or more. Perpetrators often refuel their own transport units in Spain, taking advantage of full tanks just before crossing the border when prices are comparatively advantageous.
Fenadismer, the employers’ association, along with other members of the National Road Transport Committee, has pressed for mediation with the Ministries of Transport and Interior. The goal is to ensure Spanish shippers can report incidents efficiently and to demand stronger police presence at service areas and rest stops in southern France. The demand comes as insurers require clear, timely police documentation to support claims, and as drivers seek quicker intervention in the face of robbery risks.
When a driver dials 17, the National Gendarmerie Operations and Intelligence Center is alerted directly. The guidance also advises the driver to remain in the vehicle at the site of the robbery to help authorities coordinate a prompt response. A gendarmerie unit is dispatched to the location on the ground, with directions to the nearest brigade if necessary. This rapid response is crucial for establishing a verified incident record for insurance processing and potential future preventive measures.