Copper thieves strike in Idstein – police are looking for witnesses!

Copper thieves strike in Idstein – police are looking for witnesses!

In the last few days, some unpleasant incidents have occurred in the region around Idstein and Rüdesheim. What is particularly striking is the increase in thefts, which affect not only individuals but also society as a whole. On June 22, 2025, the police reported several crimes that point to the problem of metal and copper theft. News.de reports on a copper theft in a commercial area in Idstein that took place on June 20th to 21st, 2025. According to the police, several electrical cables were stolen, resulting in an estimated property damage of 1,500 euros. The perpetrator or perpetrators are currently unknown; the Idstein police station is accepting information.

The problem of copper theft should not be underestimated. As early as 2022, Deutsche Bahn experienced damage of around 6.6 million euros from such offenses. This year, 2,644 trains have been affected by theft, resulting in over 700 hours of delays. DW.com explains that the theft of copper is becoming increasingly widespread due to its high demand, especially for electrical devices and e-cars. Inadequate customs control often allows thieves to sell their loot abroad.

Unpleasant incidents at events

But the copper theft is not the only worrying incident in recent days. During the “Magic Bike” event in Rüdesheim, a 58-year-old man from the Mainz-Bingen district was arrested after stealing several motorcycle helmets on Friday. On Saturday he was caught again stealing a T-shirt and had to be taken into police custody. Those affected by the helmet thefts are asked to come forward.

In addition, a 72-year-old lady from Aschaffenburg was the victim of a car break-in in a parking lot in Bad Schwalbach, where unknown perpetrators smashed the rear window of her VW and stole her handbag, which corresponds to damage of 1,000 euros. The Bad Schwalbach police station is accepting information about this.

Traffic accidents and other crimes

In the early morning of June 22nd there was also a traffic accident in Oestrich-Winkel under the influence of alcohol. The 34-year-old driver caused an accident and then fled. An alcohol test showed 0.79 per mille and a blood sample was ordered for further clarification. In Rüdesheim, a motorcycle accident at the “Magic Bike” event resulted in minor injuries to a pedestrian and significant damage to several vehicles, as did a serious accident in Heidenrod-Geroldstein that sent a motorcyclist to hospital.

The theft incidents are part of a growing problem with structured gang crimes across the country. Experts such as Jens Flören from the Federal Police Directorate in Sankt Augustin point out that both organized perpetrators and individual perpetrators are active, including drug addicts looking for quick money. WDR.de makes it clear that new security measures that are being implemented in many areas are intended to help counteract the problem, but the topic remains current and is shaping the security situation in our region.