Police in the north of the country have been selling off items that have been confiscated during the investigation of crimes.

For at least the last three years police stations in Lille, Roubaix et Tourcoing have all taken part in the trade. In Lille, according to a union representative, the head of the station personally supervised the trade. Staff estimate that on average 1000-3000 euros a month were brought in by the trade which involved selling mopeds, bicycles and other confiscated items to scrap dealers. As the items were supposed to be destroyed there does not seem to be a record of how much money was brought in nor of how it was spent. A representative of the Unsa Police union has called for further investigation to ensure that no-one profited personally from the sales. They are not being described as thefts.

Alliance Police Nationale ( a scab union that is part of the management union confederation and recently complained about a lack of solidarity from prison guards who defended their picket line) is arguing that this trade should be legitimised and that it is only the result of swinging budget cuts of 30-40% over the last 3 years. Although this matter is under investigation by the justice department it is unlikely that anyone will face criminal charges for what would certainly be a crime if committed by anyone other than the police.