Parking ticket machine break-in failed: Perpetrators leave 1,000 euros worth of damage!

Parking ticket machine break-in failed: Perpetrators leave 1,000 euros worth of damage!

On the night of Friday, September 26, 2025, unknown perpetrators in Bad König tried to break into a parking ticket machine on “Am Bahndamm” street. However, between midnight and 8 a.m. the criminals came away empty-handed. They were aiming for the cash box, but their operation was unsuccessful and they escaped without any loot. The material damage they left behind is estimated to be around 1,000 euros. The police in Erbach are asking witnesses for relevant information on 06062 / 953-0, as [meine-news.de](https://www.meine-news.de/bad-koenig/c-blaulicht/bad-koenig- criminal-scheitern-beim-aufbruch-eines-automaten_a214727) reports.

There was similar crime in the Soest region: several parking ticket machines have been the target of thieves in the last few weeks. Unknown people tore a total of four machines from their ground anchors and transported them away. In three other cases, the attempt remained the same, as WDR reports. Municipal authorities explain that the lost revenue and loot from the machines is small, but the costs of purchasing new and installing the devices are significantly higher, at around 10,000 euros per machine.

Unprecedented thefts in Soest

The extent of the crimes in Soest is remarkable. According to reports, two ATMs were stolen on the night of Friday and Tuesday, July 22nd. The ATMs were filled with cash amounting to 540.90 euros and 653.80 euros. They were only purchased in 2019 and have been emptied regularly, which makes the haul seem “only small” from the perspective of municipal companies. The material damage, however, is estimated at around 20,000 euros, which far exceeds the value of the loot, according to information from the Soester Anzeiger.

Particular attention is paid to the severely damaged machines, which were presumably torn from their mountings due to a vehicle collision. Scratches show that the machines were dragged during the escape and loaded into a vehicle. The escape route could have led towards the A44. The police on site are investigating and hope for further information from the public. Anyone who has seen something can call 02921/91000, as can be found in Soester Anzeiger.

Free parking as a result

Due to the absence of machines in Soest, drivers can currently park for free temporarily. While this is a small bright spot in an otherwise bleak crime picture, it remains to be seen how quickly replacement machines can be procured and installed. A waiting period of several weeks should be planned here.

The situation shows that crime in the form of ATM break-ins and thefts is on the rise not only in Bad König, but also in the Soest area. The police are called upon and citizens should remain vigilant. It remains to be seen whether the perpetrators will be able to continue their criminal course in the future.'