Eight thefts in Neumünster: Perpetrators steal vehicle parts!

Eight thefts in Neumünster: Perpetrators steal vehicle parts!

A worrying phenomenon emerged in Neumünster last week: unknown perpetrators committed a total of eight thefts between June 16th and 18th. More precisely, in Wernershagener Weg and in adjacent streets as well as Altonaer Straße. These attacks primarily involved the theft of valuable vehicle parts, such as exterior mirror lenses, fog lights, reversing and front cameras, and parking sensors. Nine vehicles were damaged in these actions, which underlines the power of the perpetrators. The police have now called on witnesses to report suspicious observations in the area between Ehndorfer and Wasbeker Strasse and in Altonaer Strasse. Anyone with information can contact the police on 04321/9450.

Another incident in the city shows the presence of crime: on April 7, civilian police officers caught a 35-year-old man of Algerian origin red-handed at the Holsten Galerie shopping center as he tried to open a woman's backpack. The perpetrator was quickly caught and the victim received her wallet back. Nevertheless, it is alarming that such acts take place not only in dark alleys, but also in heavily frequented areas and often go unnoticed. The next day the man was sentenced to four months in prison by the Neumünster district courthttps://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/47769/6017320.

The development in Germany

The overall number of thefts in Germany is worrying. According to reports, over 40,000 cars were put out for search in 2022, which corresponds to an increase of a whopping 30 percent compared to the previous year. Although 60 percent of the stolen vehicles were recovered, the damage caused by car thefts remains enormous at almost 250 million euros. A look into the world of perpetrators shows that they are often organized gangs, often from Eastern Europe. These gangs are skilled and use sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, such as scouting crime scenes and breaking into homes to obtain car keyshttps://www.deutschlandfunk.de/autodiebstahl-kritikitaet-deutschland-100.html.

Cars with keyless entry systems, which can be bypassed using radio link extensions, are particularly vulnerable. Many stolen vehicles quickly disappear abroad - particularly via Eastern Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. And the trade routes are well structured: these cars often find their way through important European ports. Some vehicles are also dismantled in Germany in order to make higher profits from individual parts.

Protective measures and prevention

With the growing threat of theft, it is important to take appropriate protective measures. Radiation-proof cases for keys and retrofitting vehicles with alarm systems or GPS trackers are recommended. International cooperation to combat car theft also plays a crucial role. Supported by EU resolutions and specific projects such as Invex and EMPACT, attempts are being made to counteract organized crime. Despite the ongoing challenges, overall figures show a decline in stolen cars in Germany since the 1990s.

The current incidents in Neumünster and the nationwide situation underline the need for more vigilance and prevention. Therefore, it is advisable to be vigilant in your own neighborhood too.