Because it is possible to put an end to the circulation of stolen money.
Because crime must not pay.
Because like this, crime can be discouraged. Because the fight against crime is everyone's business.

Today, numerous security mechanisms make it possible to neutralise, through staining, notes that have been subject to attempted theft. The effectiveness of this technology and the development of prevention are communicated through information and education :

So that the public knows how to recognise, and knows not to accept or to exchange, stained notes that may be the result of a theft.

So that potential criminals understand that their thefts will bring them nothing.

As promissed few weeks ago, here are the new colors of Vigie Billet web site. This modernised and more interactive version  will reflect the arrival of this new momentum for our common project. Do not hesitate to consult our blog, that the association actors will update regularly to give you news close to our action.

You know or you have heard of “Vigie Billet” and you have perhaps read the posters displayed in banks, post offices, police stations and gendarmeries.

We created this non-profit organisation nearly three years ago in order to raise awareness, particularly among retailers, about the risks of accepting and circulating stained bank notes resulting from a theft.

Indeed, for several years now, technology has made it possible to transport or store funds in secure containers, which at the slightest theft attempt, stain all notes with an indelible ink. In France, almost 60% of inter-bank transports are now carried out in suitcases on board unmarked vehicles, and a very high number of note distributors are protected by these mechanisms. Criminals therefore sometimes attempt to circulate these stained notes.

In the beginning, spreading our flagship message, “N'acceptez pas les billets maculés/Do not accept stained notes”, rested mainly on the support of institutions such as the Banque de France, the ECB, the French Banking Federation, the French Postal Service (La Poste), and was already relying on police support.

Alongside these essential and valuable partners, the cause was also taken up by banks, chambers of commerce, retailers, teachers, all of those willing to participate, each in their own way, in our general efforts of prevention and dissuasion.

Our European neighbours, exposed to recycling by their use of our common currency, understand the European dimension of this issue. Initiatives similar to ours are being developed by several of them.

We felt it was our job to recognise this mobilisation and perpetuate it in order to reach the ultimate goal: maintain the vigilance of all to say “no” together to the circulation of stolen money.

Therefore, you will soon by seeing the colours of Vigie Billet on the walls of ever more public places. The poster will carry our message to the public, and the leaflets made available to retailers will continue to guide them in the vigilant and pragmatic approach required by the circulation of stained notes. 

Facilitating the circulation of information, responding better to everyone’s doubts or questions, sharing experiences, are also our priorities for the year 2008, which Vigie Billet has decided to place under the heading of “REBOUND”..

We look forward to seeing you again very soon here,

Paul ROQUETTE