Lasserre Auto Garage Vandalized in France With Thousands in Damages

For the family behind Lasserre Auto, a business with over three decades of history near Lavelanet, the discovery on the morning of June 14 was a demoralizing blow. The garage, which employs six people including the owner and his son, Benjamin, found that thirteen of their vehicles—ranging from display models to cars awaiting restoration—had been systematically targeted overnight.

Financial and Operational Impact at Lasserre Auto

The economic toll of the vandalism is substantial. This figure does not include the cost of replacing dozens of tires, a significant burden for the small business.

The situation is further complicated by insurance limitations. The garage’s policy does not cover tire damage when no other mechanical parts are affected, forcing the owners to seek cheaper alternatives, such as using second-hand tires or specialized repair services, to manage the mounting costs.

“Sur deux de nos 4×4, les pneus étaient neufs, ils avaient zéro kilomètre. C’est particulièrement pénible.”

Benjamin, cogérant of Lasserre Auto

Beyond the direct costs, the timing has been particularly difficult for the family.

Gendarmerie Investigation and Local Context

The investigation is being handled by the Lavelanet gendarmerie brigade. Authorities have confirmed that the garage incident was not isolated; the same night, other acts of vandalism occurred in the village, affecting private vehicles and community association equipment.

“Pour le moment, quatre victimes ont été entendues, à la suite de la dégradation d’un chapiteau et d’un barnum (buvette) et d’une dizaine de véhicules avec pneus crevés et rayures sur carrosserie. Les investigations sont toujours en cours. L’enquête est suivie par la brigade de gendarmerie de Lavelanet.”

The Prosecutor of the Republic, via Ladepeche

Community Response and Future Outlook

In an effort to inform customers and explain potential delays in service, the garage’s management released a video on social media. Despite the stress of the event, the family expressed a sense of relief that the vehicles belonging to their clients were stored safely inside the garage and remained untouched.

The public response to the incident has been one of solidarity. Benjamin reported that the business has received numerous messages of support from neighbors, fellow professionals, and local residents. While the team accuse un peu le coup—a phrase used to describe the difficulty of absorbing such a shock—they remain focused on recovery.

For now, the garage continues to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation while working to restore their inventory. The owners hope the evidence collected, including testimonies gathered from the village, will lead to the identification of those responsible.

Sources: Ladepeche, fr.headtopics.com.