No matter what a protest is about, there are always some bad actors eager to take advantage of the accompanying chaos to loot stores. The ‘Yellow Vest’ protests in France was sadly not an exception to the rule.
The Bordeaux Apple Store was attacked during protests and riots against the French government across the country, with the store essentially cleaned out by the thieves.
Videos shared on Twitter and YouTube over the weekend show looters gaining access to the Apple Sainte-Catherine store in Bordeaux, dressed in hoodies and other concealing clothing. The thieves grabbed iPhones, iPads, and other goods kept on the display tables before leaving the store and joining the rest of the crowd outside.
The protests provided an opportunity for the looters to loot the store and then blend into the chaos in the streets. The BBC reports there were approximately 125,000 protestors in the streets on Saturday. Over 1,200 arrests were made.
The video below shows some of the looters in the Bordeaux Apple Store.
The protests were originally staged to voice citizens’ feelings against a rising fuel tax in the country. Although the government has cancelled plans for the higher gas tax in the wake of increasing pressure from the public, the movement has expanded in scope. Protestors now are protesting against taxes in general, the rising cost of living, and the country’s educational system.
Protests have been held the last four weekends, causing damage to buildings and property around France. French President Emmanuel Macron is today expected to announce measures designed to mitigate the crisis during a national address on Monday.