I have operated as a self employed gardener/property manager here in France for the last 9 years and this is the first occurrence of an incident of this nature, but I thought it would be prudent to highlight it to everyone.
It is normal practice for me to lock myself in to clients' gardens/houses when working, as this is best practice. On Tuesday I did this as usual. However whilst cutting the grass by the road outside a client's gates (and in full view of them) someone climbed over a low fence at the side of the property, went right around the rear and into the courtyard garden on the other side, where my car and trailer were parked and stole a €450 lawnmower which was still in the aforementioned trailer. At the time I was only 80 metres away from the car when this happened, had sight of the ront of my car and was next to the principle access route to the house. Needless to say I'm not exactly over the moon at this but would like to take this opportunity to remind you to not take security of your personal property for granted and to be vigilant
The local police have been informed, they were very helpful and visited the scene straight away. The mower was only 12 months old and in very good condition. It may appear on Leboncoin in the next few weeks.