"Freedom Over Security?"... Thieves Targeting the Olympic 'Peak Season' [Paris Olympics]

Theft Incidents Occurred at Both Rio Olympics and Sydney Olympics

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As theft incidents continue to occur within the 2024 Paris Olympic Village, French authorities are grappling with measures to prevent recurrence. Since the village houses athletes from various countries in close proximity and athletes' personal privacy can impact their performance, conducting thorough investigations is challenging, making it difficult to identify the perpetrators.

According to the French local media Le Parisien, on the 28th of last month, a rugby player from the Japanese national team reported the theft of his wedding ring, necklace, and cash from his room in the Olympic Village. The estimated loss amounts to approximately 3,000 euros (about 4.5 million KRW). Earlier, on the 27th, a coach from the Australian hockey team reported the theft and fraudulent use of his bank card. He reported the incident after receiving a notification from the bank about suspicious transactions amounting to 1,500 Australian dollars (about 1.34 million KRW).

Javier Mascherano, the Argentine coach, also reported on the 24th of last month (local time) that one of his athletes had precious metals stolen during training. Coach Mascherano explained, "Yesterday, a thief broke into the training ground and stole items. Thiago Almada lost his watch and ring." He expressed regret, saying, "Despite constantly requiring authentication and identity verification from us, such incidents still occurred."

Although five theft cases have already been reported in the Olympic Village, the French police have expressed difficulty in identifying the culprits. The police are investigating the cases, but there are no closed-circuit (CCTV) cameras installed in athletes' living spaces due to privacy concerns, and access by outsiders is restricted, making it hard to find witnesses.

Le Parisien cited sources related to the theft incidents, stating, "At every Olympics, theft, physical and sexual assault, robbery, and drug crimes occur, but traditionally, the Olympic Village remains a sanctuary where police can enter only under specific conditions. The freedom of athletes is prioritized over security."

Corrugated cardboard beds and cooling devices at the Paris Athletes' Village.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

This is not the first time theft incidents have occurred in the Olympic Village. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, incidents involved the theft of cash, mobile phones, and even blankets. When the situation worsened, athletes even refused entry to room maids who cleaned their rooms.

Before the Rio Olympic Village opened, incidents of light bulbs and mirrors disappearing from rooms were reported. After opening, the Australian team evacuated due to a fire, during which personal laptops and uniforms were stolen. At that time, Kitty Chiller, head of the Australian team, expressed frustration, saying, "After confirming the missing items, we informed the village security authorities, but they only said they were checking." She added, "Many people whose identities are not guaranteed, such as janitors, enter the village," describing the environment as one where theft can happen at any time.

Danish athletes also suffered unfair incidents. Room maids stole mobile phones, tablet PCs, and even bed sheets. A representative of the Danish team expressed frustration, saying, "Theft incidents by room maids continue." British athletes also had swimming gear stolen.

However, the organizing committee at the time was criticized for being passive. They rather showed an attitude of adapting to the local situation. A committee official said that hoping no incidents would occur in the village in Rio was like a daydream, given the ongoing theft cases.

The 2000 Sydney Olympics also experienced theft incidents. At the New Zealand team's accommodation, five laptops containing athletes' training data, CD players, and mobile phones were stolen. Additionally, advanced equipment worth over $5,000 disappeared from a highly secured office, causing controversy.

Medical equipment worth $20,000, including diagnostic devices, thermometers, and surgical gloves, also went missing. Items worth $70,000, including athletes' shoes, watches, and cash, were reported stolen. Especially until the Olympic closing, petty thieves were rampant, but the police's passive attitude frustrated the athletes. At that time, the police suspected some athletes of petty theft but, considering diplomatic issues, treated most cases as lost property, drawing criticism.