Investigations and private security, new players

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Since the 2000s, the security services have become increasingly popular. The turnover of companies in this field has increased widely. It grew by almost 30% from 2010 to 2015, taking an average of 4.3% per year according to INSEE, which is very substantial. This new strong interest in the private security sector is due to numerous events that have impacted the behaviour of French citizens regarding their security. To overcome this new problem of feeling insecure, new actors come into play: private detective agencies.

The development of the services of private detective agencies

In Bordeaux, the private detective agency Madlarp offers investigative services for individuals and professionals alike. It covers the entire south-west department, but can also extend throughout france on request. Like many other private detective agencies in France, it offers investigative and support services for legal actions. This involves researching evidence, monitoring, spinning and computer expertise.

The burgeoning private security marketis diversifying by offering customer embezzlement or fraud or industrial espionage services (in a professional setting), in addition to serving the interests of individuals.


France has been undergoing a real transformation of its private security market for more than a decade. The tragic events of 2015 have raised a problem in the French security system. The behaviour of the inhabitants has changed a lot. The French are increasingly turning to surveillance services and gradually to private detective agencies. Services that were then rather reserved for personal use before also affect the activities of companies.

The private security sector has been booming since the 2000s

The French, following the tragic events of the 2015 attacks, have drastically changed their relationship to security. In addition, the security of the territory has been greatly enhanced at events such as important football matches or various gatherings.

Companies are looking for new ways to protect themselves. This is how the services offered by the private security and investigations sector come into play. This sector is divided into three industries: private security, security systems and investigative activities.

Activities in the private security subsector include child care, patrol services and security guards. They account for an overwhelming majority of private security revenues at 77.5%. Security systems activities account for almost 20% of the sector’s turnover. They mainly concern remote surveillance and video surveillance.

Survey activities account for only 3% of the sector’s turnover. However, companies specializing in this field are multiplying, as demand is gradually increasing. For example, private detective agencies offer investigations for individuals, but also more and more for companies and industrialists.

Kim GABORIEAU – BORDEAUX BUSINESS

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