Everything, they disputed everything at the hearing.
Three men - aged 22 to 33 - appeared before the Meaux criminal court, on Friday evening, for serial thefts, committed between August 16, 2023 and February 1, 2024, mainly in Seine-et-Marne.
Despite their denials, they were found guilty of all charges.
And were condemned.
They owe their arrest to investigators from the Territorial Crime Section (SCT, formerly Northern Departmental Security), who had spotted – on video surveillance – the presence of a Renault Kangoo at the scene of the attacks.
The investigators had worked with their colleagues from the BRI (Research and Intervention Brigade), responsible in particular for shadowing.
Mitry-Mory, Claye-Souilly, Gressy, Pontault-Combault or even Noisy-le-Grand (Seine-Saint-Denis): the criminals targeted houses, located in quiet residences and occupied most often by elderly people.
The method was well practiced: a fake water agent - dressed in an orange jacket - showed up at the victims' homes, announcing the existence of a problem on the network.
While the occupant of the premises was carrying out checks, two fake police officers entered, stole objects then pretended to arrest their accomplice.
Their loot?
Most often cash or jewelry.
Only one answer: “I dispute the facts”
President Isabelle Florentin-Dombre returned to the elements of the procedure.
For one of the defendants, it could have been a “coincidence”.
For another, recognized by victims on photo boards, no explanation is required.
Simon, the main defendant – who lives in a Travelers camp in Condé-Sainte-Libiaire – was on trial for twelve thefts and two attempts.
The Kangoo left home correctly plated… and ended its journey under a false registration.
It was to “avoid radars”, according to the young man.
“Who concluded it was a date?”
“, Rahyan said to the president who was questioning her about a “meeting”, which took place one fine morning in a parking lot in Bussy-Saint-Martin, rue de la Montagne.
“We see your Nissan and we see the Kangoo,” recalled the magistrate.
The young man had good reasons to be there: “When I'm not well, I go to church.
I walk a lot, I’m sporty.”
Only one answer: “I dispute the facts”
And Rahyan – recognized by victims – assures that he has a common physique that can be confused with that of another.
It is an understatement to say that the trio provided as few answers as possible to the magistrate's questions, who dissected the various comings and goings of the Kangoo vehicle, subject to geolocation.
Whatever the elements provided, it was the same response: “I dispute the facts”.
Prosecutor Noémie Béguin requested sentences of up to three years in prison, including 18 months, with a committal warrant.
The judgment fell around midnight.
Of the three defendants, only one - sentenced to three years in prison, one of whom is sentenced, will remain imprisoned.
The second defendant, who was also in the box, received three years in prison, including one to be served under an electronic bracelet.
Both men were also fined 4,000 euros.
The only one who appeared free was sentenced to 20 months, 10 of which must be spent under an electronic bracelet, and left the courthouse.