Theft from an ambulance in Gelsenkirchen: Suspect caught!

Theft from an ambulance in Gelsenkirchen: Suspect caught!

On Sunday morning, August 10, 2025, an incident occurred in Gelsenkirchen that put the safety of rescue workers and their equipment in the spotlight. At 3:20 a.m., while the crew of an ambulance was treating a medical emergency on Grenzstrasse 60, a work tablet was stolen from the vehicle. The rescue workers had temporarily parked the car with the door open so as not to impede the process when the perpetrator struck unhindered.

An attentive witness became a crucial factor in solving the theft. She observed the suspect during his plan and captured him with her smartphone. Unfortunately, the man was initially able to escape, prompting police to launch an intensive manhunt. Around an hour and a half later, around 5:00 a.m., the 48-year-old suspect was found on Georgstrasse. The man, who had no fixed address and was already known to the police for property crimes, gave contradictory information about the crime.

Findings and arrest

A search of the man revealed the stolen tablet hidden in his waistband. The police were able to seize the device and return it to the fire department. The suspect was temporarily arrested based on the evidence. “Such incidents are not uncommon,” said a police spokesman, who pointed out that the open doors of ambulances during operations increase the risk of theft. Unfortunately, operations involving thieves are no exception, and the protection of equipment and emergency personnel is always an issue.

Brief overview of crime in Germany

The situation in Gelsenkirchen reflects a nationwide problem. As an analysis shows, over 1.78 million thefts were registered in Germany in 2022, which represents an increase compared to the previous year. Shoplifting, bicycle theft and theft from motor vehicles are particularly common and are a thorn in the side of security forces. North Rhine-Westphalia alone recorded over 23,500 residential burglaries in the same year.

While the police in Gelsenkirchen are trying to ensure the safety of citizens, the problem is not made any easier by recurring thefts from ambulances. The clearance rate for residential burglaries was only 16.1% in 2022, and the statistics for vehicle thefts also point to a worrying reality at 31.1%. The worrying development shows that there is a need for action to counter rising crime.

The Gelsenkirchen police have made the press office available on 0209/365 2160 and the email address leitstelle.gelsenkirchen@polizei.nrw.de for information about this incident. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.