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Attack on senior citizens: Antique wall clock stolen – police are looking for witnesses!
In Leverkusen-Alkenrath, a perpetrator disguised as an antique dealer attacked an elderly couple with pepper spray and stole a wall clock.
Attack on senior citizens: Antique wall clock stolen – police are looking for witnesses!
There was a shocking robbery of an elderly couple in Leverkusen-Alkenrath on Monday afternoon, October 6th. According to ksta.de, an approximately 40-year-old man visited the 81-year-old and 85-year-old residents in their apartment on Erich-Klausener-Straße, supposedly to buy antiques. Five weeks ago, the perpetrator had already expressed interest in their collectibles, which put him in a position of trust.
But appearances were deceptive: During the visit, the man used pepper spray and stole one of the couple's antique wall clocks. After he made off with the loot, an accomplice, around 20 years old, was waiting for him in a dark Mercedes Vito. Both men fled via Julius-Leber-Straße. The police are asking for your help and are looking for witnesses who observed the incident or the escape. The wanted perpetrator is described as a man with neck-length dark curls and a light jacket.
A growing problem
The background to such attacks does not become any easier when you look at the general crime situation in Germany. According to Statista, there were over 38,000 robbery crimes in 2022, which represents a serious increase compared to previous years. Attacks on older people, who are often perceived as particularly vulnerable, are particularly noticeable.
The robbery in Leverkusen is just another example in a worrying series of crimes that have become increasingly common in recent years. In North Rhine-Westphalia, over 23,500 residential burglaries were registered in 2022, which accounts for over 35% of all cases in Germany. These numbers show that security in our cities is becoming an increasingly pressing issue.
Security for seniors
The attack on the couple reminds us how important it is for older people in particular to be well informed and careful. Many organizations offer tips on how to avoid fraud and robberies. It is important to be suspicious when unknown visitors appear at the door and make seemingly interesting offers.
The police advise all citizens to contact the authorities immediately in the event of a suspicious visit. Information regarding the incident can be called on 0221 229-0 or by email poststelle.koeln@polizei.nrw.de be transmitted. It is important that we work together to make our neighborhoods safer.
The couple remains hopeful that the case will be resolved quickly. Many in the community are shocked and wondering: How could something like this happen in their neighborhood?