Bochum police warn: Protect your home from burglars!

Bochum police warn: Protect your home from burglars!

In recent weeks, the Bochum police have become increasingly concerned about a wave of home break-ins in the region. In order to increase the safety of citizens in Bochum, Herne and Witten, the police give clear recommendations for action: “Secure your apartment, be vigilant and dial 110!” This message is no coincidence, as criminal statistics show that the number of burglaries is increasing again. According to a publication by [Radio Ennepe Ruhr](https://www.radioenneperuhr.de/artikel/wohnungs-einbruchs-radar-das-polizeipraesidium-bochum-informiert-wieder-ueber-die- Distribution-der-wohnungseinbrueche-2359617.html), there were also several break-ins in the last week, which were shown on an overview map. The good news: Data protection is a top priority, so no exact street names or house numbers are published.

A particular focus is on raising awareness among the population. The police are calling on citizens to think more intensively about the issue of burglary protection. There is support from the Commissioner for Crime Prevention and Victim Protection, which offers free information. Anyone interested can contact the police station on 0234 909-4040, where they can receive valuable tips on protecting their homes. Inquiries can also be made via the press office of the Bochum police.

Burglaries – An all too common phenomenon

Did you know that over a third of all residential burglaries occur during the day, when residents are usually at work or shopping? According to Polizeiberatung, school, work and shopping times, as well as weekends, are classic opportunities for burglars. This type of burglary often occurs in large cities, where particularly organized gangs of burglars target entire residential areas and attack quickly. Police report 78,436 reported burglaries in 2024, which represents a slight increase compared to the previous year.

This worrying development underlines the need to better secure one's own four walls. It is often not enough to just lock the doors. Burglars often use easily accessible windows and doors, and the number of failed burglary attempts shows that effective security measures can certainly bear fruit. The rate of failed burglaries is currently 45.7 percent.

Here's how you can protect yourself

Police advise taking basic security measures. This includes always closing windows and doors and, if necessary, retrofitting them with additional locks or alarm systems. Good lighting in front of the house and neighborhood help can also help deter burglars. In addition, information events organized by the Bochum police help to raise citizens' awareness of the issue.

Given the current situation, it is important to be vigilant and, if in doubt, to call the police immediately on 110. Let's work together to ensure our neighborhood remains a safe place.