Marseille authorities have reported declining crime rates across most categories during the first eight months of 2025, while simultaneously implementing a strengthened strategy against irregular immigration. According to recent data released by the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture, criminal activity has shown stability or decrease, particularly in Marseille's hypercenter districts including Belsunce and Porte d'Aix. This positive trend continues the momentum established in 2024, with officials highlighting the coordinated approach between crime prevention and immigration control.

Prefect Georges-François Leclerc emphasized that combating irregular immigration and fighting crime cannot be approached separately. The administrative reform implemented in March 2025 has enabled "greater unity of command," allowing authorities to concentrate resources and techniques more effectively against clandestine immigration. This strategic alignment follows the approach of former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who advocated for increased controls and more obligations to leave French territory (OQTF).

Law enforcement efforts have been bolstered by significant reinforcements, including 25 additional officers since September 1st, a Republican Security Company (CRS), and three border police crews operating daily. These resources support what authorities describe as continuous "pounding" of drug dealing spots, with nine identified in Marseille's hypercenter and approximately 100 across the entire city. Despite this intensified pressure, drug-related incidents have increased by 15.30% citywide.

The prefecture's data indicates that individuals in irregular immigration situations account for 65% of public street crime in Marseille's city center. This statistic has become central to Leclerc's strategy, resulting in a 72% increase in apprehensions of irregular immigrants between January and August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Authorities plan to implement a Local Delinquency Treatment Group (GLTD) in the hypercenter, described as a "surgical solution" for neighborhoods considered criminologically challenging cases.