Police in Harburg track down suspected burglar for DNA evidence

Police in Harburg track down suspected burglar for DNA evidence

Hamburg police have arrested a 45-year-old Bulgarian who is said to be responsible for at least four burglaries in the Harburg, Heimfeld and Eißendorf districts. The arrest took place on July 1, 2023 at 6:45 a.m. on Maretstrasse, where the suspect was injured during an attempted break-in and had to be taken to the hospital. Investigators from the Harburg burglary department have proven his crimes through DNA traces that they have secured since the end of December 2022. This trace-based investigation is becoming increasingly important in forensic science and is an essential part of providing evidence in criminal cases, as the [Federal Criminal Police Office](https://www.bka.de/DE/ UnserAufgabe/Ermittlungsunterstuetzung/Kriminaltechnik/Biometrics/DNAAnalytik/dnaAnalytik_node.html) explains.

Back in March, the man was caught red-handed when he flew out of a mezzanine apartment after prying open a kitchen window. At this point, however, there were no sufficient reasons for his arrest, so he was initially released. However, the investigators from the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) continued to work persistently, which ultimately led to the final arrest of the suspect. During the search of his apartment, in addition to evidence, a blank gun and a stun gun were seized, which further complicated the situation and emphasized the seriousness of his actions.

Insight into the investigative work

How do investigators manage to solve such cases despite considerable challenges? The answer often lies in the latest technologies and methods of DNA analysis. In crimes, traces that can be evaluated using molecular genetics, such as saliva, hair or skin particles, are often found. Tiny amounts of this biological material can be assigned to a person through DNA analysis. In the 45-year-old's case, the DNA traces were crucial in linking him to at least three other residential burglaries that had also occurred in the region since the end of December 2022.

This precise science is not only designed to identify unknown perpetrators. It also plays an important role in solving crimes, especially in cases involving multiple perpetrators or cross-border crimes, where automated comparison of DNA databases between European countries facilitates criminal police cooperation.

The police are currently continuing to investigate whether the arrested man is responsible for additional burglaries in the region. The pressure to investigate remains high and the Hamburg public prosecutor's office has already issued an arrest warrant. Things are now getting serious for the 45-year-old Bulgarian: the allegations are serious and the evidence speaks against him. The citizens of Hamburg can be curious to see how this case will develop further.