Multiple attacks on Aussies in Paris sparks serious travel warning: 'Easy targets'

Just days out from the 2024 Olympic Games in the French capital, the city has been rocked by a wave of alleged attacks against Aussies, including on two Channel 9 staff members.

Left: Police stand guard outside the Olympic Village as athletes arrive for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Right: Eiffel Tower with Olympics rings logo.
Tourists, being unfamiliar with the local language and high-risk areas, are easy targets in Paris, experts are warning. Source: Getty

Large-scale events like the Olympics have historically "provided grounds for criminal activity and opportunistic crimes", and Australians travelling to Paris should be ultra-aware of "the heightened security risks", a public safety expert has warned.

The caution comes after news broke on Wednesday of two Channel 9 staff members being robbed and assaulted while in Paris to cover the Games. An Australian woman was also attacked on Saturday in an alleged gang rape by a group of five men.

Australians heading to France, for the Olympics in Paris or otherwise, are being encouraged to "exercise a high degree of caution". France's national terrorist alert remains at the highest level, the Australian government warns.

"There is also a risk of serious crime such as assault, sexual assault and muggings, as well as petty crime like bag snatching and passport theft," Smart Traveller warns.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Senior Lecturer of Public Safety and Disaster Risk at UNSW, Dr Milad Haghani, warns tourists are "easy targets," adding travellers must avoid complacency to stay safe.

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"Tourists, being unfamiliar with the local language and high-risk areas, are easy targets," he said. "They often struggle with reporting crimes and navigating local systems after an incident, and criminals are aware of this and take advantage of it."

"This makes tourists vulnerable and provides opportunities for criminals to exploit the situation," he added. "For Australians travelling to Paris, it's crucial to be aware of the heightened security risks.

"Awareness and vigilance are key. A cavalier attitude to safety could make travellers extra vulnerable. Simple measures like avoiding travelling alone, keeping personal belongings secure, and staying in well-frequented areas can mitigate risks.

"Solo travellers are softer targets, so minimising solo travel, especially at night, and in less tourist-friendly areas is important."

Signs in Paris limiting access with the Eiffel Towel in the background, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
There are risks of attacks on athletes of certain nationalities and disruptions by political and social activists, security experts have warned.

Milad said Paris is also "currently grappling with various security issues" — including the "risk of terror attacks".

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"French authorities have already made arrests to counter-terror plots, but the risk remains, especially from groups that have called for attacks on the games. Cybersecurity is also a major concern, potentially interplaying with terror threats," he said.

RELATED: See Yahoo Australia's up-to-date Paris Olympic Games coverage

An alarming anti-tourism sentiment has recently cropped up in various countries, most notably Barcelona. The same fear has reared its head in Bali too.

Residents living in popular holiday destinations around the world — largely in European hotspots — have in recent weeks been protesting by the thousands against mass tourism.

But Milad said there’s "no solid evidence suggesting a widespread and systemic anti-tourism sentiment in Paris" as seen in other European cities such as Barcelona, but there are risks that remain.

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"The surge of tourism due to the Olympics is transient, and locals are aware of this. There's no compelling evidence at this stage linking anti-tourism sentiment to crimes against tourists in Paris," Milad argued.

"There are risks of attacks on athletes of certain nationalities and disruptions by political and social activists. These factors stretch French security capacities to their limits. While security has been ramped up, the diverse range of issues presents significant challenges, and criminals are likely aware of this too."

Two members of Channel 9’s Olympics broadcast team were attacked during an attempted robbery in Paris on Monday. Nine Newspapers reports the pair escaped serious injury after the incident, which took place while they were walking to their accommodation in Le Bourget, in the northeast of Paris.

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According to reports the duo were approached by a group who attempted to snatch one of their backpacks.

French police patrolling in Paris amid an increased threat of terror attacks ahead of the Olympics.
French authorities have already made arrests to counter terror plots, but the risk remains, especially from groups that have called for attacks on the games. Source: Getty

It follows reports that an Australian woman, 25, was found disoriented and unable to speak French outside a kebab shop on in Paris’s 18th arrondissement about 5am on Saturday, just metres from Moulin Rouge. The woman later claimed she was viciously sexually assaulted and raped by five men, with French authorities having since opened an investigation.

Meanwhile, Olympic team officials have been briefed on the alleged sexual assault. Australian chef de mission Anna Meares said she had heard of no threats against team members, but they are being advised to be careful when going outside the athletes' village.

"I have been informed, it sounds horrific. Obviously our hearts go out to the woman involved and we hope she's being cared for and supported in the trauma she's experienced," Meares said on Tuesday morning. "There's not a lot of detail and information that has come through."

Meares reiterated that team members had been briefed thoroughly on security and safety precautions. Australian Olympians have been warned against wearing their team uniforms outside the Olympic village following the alleged gang rape.

with AAP

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