Wild scenes in Wilhelmshaven: Police stop thief in the supermarket!

Wild scenes in Wilhelmshaven: Police stop thief in the supermarket!

Today, October 26, 2025, some notable incidents occurred in Cologne that kept both the police and citizens on their toes. The events shed light on the current development of crime in Germany.

A particularly brazen incident took place on Saturday around 1:40 p.m. in a supermarket on Rüderstrasse. A 27-year-old man attempted to steal merchandise but was approached by an alert store employee. To escape access, the perpetrator tried to escape. But instead of being free, he was held down by the employee and two passers-by until the police arrived and took him into custody. This type of incident is not an isolated case, because as Statista shows, thefts in Germany are currently increasing, especially in the area of ​​shoplifting, which counted at least 344,669 cases in 2022.

Technical breakdowns and accident escapes

While the incident in the supermarket caused some excitement, another incident occurred in Cologne on Friday morning around 10:50 a.m.: A Mercedes Benz caught fire while driving on Flutstrasse for reasons that are still unclear. Initial investigations indicate a possible technical defect. The responsible authorities have started an investigation to determine a more precise cause.

In order to expand the overview of the negligence presented, another unpleasant event occurred on Friday afternoon around 12:00 p.m.: A 61-year-old driver damaged another parked car while pulling out of a parking space and then left the scene of the accident without permission. However, the police were able to quickly identify him. A breath alcohol test carried out showed a level of 1.54 per mille, which led to criminal proceedings being initiated and his driving license being seized.

Damage caused by accidents

In another case of carelessness, two cars were badly damaged on the main road in Sengwarden between Thursday evening, October 23rd, and Friday, October 24th. The person responsible also left the scene of the accident without permission. Foreign red paint was found on the vehicles, indicating a large vehicle or agricultural machinery. The police are asking possible witnesses to call 04421/942-115.

The incidents in Cologne are exemplary of the increasing challenges in the area of ​​crime, especially with regard to theft and robbery. Section 252 of the Criminal Code defines, among other things, predatory theft and punishes perpetrators who use violence or threats in such situations in order to seize their prey. This regulation is intended to protect the property and freedom of will of the victims, which is all the more important these days given the increasing number of thefts. According to Lecturio there are clear legal principles that are applicable in such cases.

The developments in the city of Cologne are part of a larger trend that affects us all. While the police continue to work hard to investigate such acts, citizens are required to become more aware in order to work together to ensure greater security and order.