Automobiles torched in France for New Years

January 4, 2007

In what is becoming an annual phenomenon in France, 400 cars were set ablaze during the New Year's night. Authorities say this is lower than the usual amount.

In 2006, an average of 112 cars a day were torched across France. There were 15 attacks per day on police and emergency services. Almost 3,000 police officers were injured in clashes with residents. In four separate ambushes, officers were badly injured in the Paris suburbs since September. Police speak of open war with youths who are bent on more than vandalism.