Torching cars during a riot is quite possible to happen; setting them on fire because, well, it has become something of a tradition is another story altogether.

Jalopnik reports that France’s Interior Ministry said this New Year’s Eve only 940 cars were torched in the country; that’s 12 percent less compared to the 1,067 that were set on fire last year. In case you were wondering, the arsonists are not setting their own cars (assuming they do own one) ablaze. Smart people…

The Ministry’s spokesman, Pierre-Henry Brandet, commented that this practice is particularly popular in the east of France but also in suburban Paris, where rioting had started nine years ago.

Even though 2013 numbers were also lower than 2012, by 10 percent, the authorities haven’t been able to put a stop to it. Plus, the fact that there was a drop for two years in a row is poor compensation to the unfortunate owners who saw their vehicles turn to burnt metal and ashes; and on New Year’s Day at that. That’s a sad way to start a new year – at least we hope the insurance companies pay up.

Story References: Globe and Mall