Trick thieves strike: jewelry robbery from a 90-year-old in Bad Arolsen!

Trick thieves strike: jewelry robbery from a 90-year-old in Bad Arolsen!

A brazen trick theft occurred in Bad Arolsen on June 20, 2025, in which a senior woman over 90 years old was robbed. The perpetrator, who gained access to the apartment using the so-called “glass of water trick”, gained the trust of the elderly lady by asking for a donation to a blind association. After the senior citizen invited the unknown woman in, she asked for a glass of water. While the elderly woman went into the kitchen, the perpetrator took the opportunity and stole a jewelry box in the bedroom that was worth several hundred euros. After the incident, the perpetrator disappeared without notice. The elderly woman immediately informed the police, but the search has so far been unsuccessful. 112-magazin.de reports that the perpetrator was around 30 years old, around 155 cm tall, spoke with an Eastern European accent and was wearing a long beige-brown skirt and a white knitted hat.

In order to raise awareness among citizens, the police clarify that this type of trick theft is common. The perpetrators often use a feigned need for help to get into the homes of older people. “By being distracted, they manage to steal valuables unnoticed,” explains a police spokesman. In this case too, the elderly woman was taken by surprise in her loneliness. The police strongly advise not to let strangers into your home and to consult neighbors or relatives if you are unsure. [The Hesse police offer helpful safety information for seniors to](https://www.polizei.hessen.de/schutz-sicherheit/rat-und-sorge/sicherheit-fuer-senioren/broker.jsp?uMen=f0570e e1-825a-f6f8-6373-a91bbcb63046&uCon=3d4306e0-4d7c-1971-d4c7-17b103b95c53&uTem=bff71055-bb1d-50f1-2860-72700266cb59).

How does the water glass trick work?

The “glass of water trick” is a sophisticated method that is primarily used against older people. The perpetrators pretend to be in need of help and demand to be let into the apartment. A glass of water or a fake medical emergency, such as nausea, are common excuses. Since the perpetrators are usually well trained, they can often have an easy time with convincing stories and a charming demeanor.

The Federal Criminal Police Office has also pointed out that it is not just the “glass of water trick”. The grandchild trick, in which fraudsters pose as relatives, and fake police officers who appear at the front door with fake ID cards are also common methods that occur again and again throughout Germany bmfsfj.de provides information on this topic.

Safety tips for seniors

• Fremde nicht in die Wohnung lassen.
• Besucher durch Türspion oder Fenster kontrollieren.
• Bei Unsicherheiten Nachbarn oder Angehörige hinzuziehen.
• Falsche Amtspersonen: Immer den Dienstausweis zeigen lassen.
• Im Zweifel selbst bei der Behörde anrufen.

Fear of crime has increased among seniors, even as overall crime rates are falling. That's why it's more important than ever to pay attention to security and stay informed about scams. If you see suspicious things, such as strangers appearing on your doorstep, you should always contact the police. This is the only way to ensure the protection of the older generation in our society.