Empirical studies indicate that the French police have not dealt adequately with reported property crime, thus engendering a fear of such crime among residents and merchants. Citizens have consequently tended to rely on their own resources to prevent and counter property crime. Corporations have developed inhouse security, and communities have organized to protect their property rights. In 1985 the Minister of the Interior presented to parliament a bill designed to modernize the national police force, and it became law in August 1985. The act emphasizes police competency and efficiency through greater police professionalism. This is to be achieved through improved preservice and inservice training and massive increases in resources. It remains to be seen whether these measures will reduce property crime. 10 notes and 77 references.