Thefts of plant protection products in MV: Police strike!

Thefts of plant protection products in MV: Police strike!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the number of thefts of plant protection products and seeds has increased noticeably. The police recently caught three suspects in the act who were suspected of breaking into a farm near Tutow. The men, aged 36, 44 and 63, were watched for almost two weeks before they accessed and stole devices worth €12,000 on Monday night, according to reports stern.de reported. The Polish men had previously been the focus of investigators when they entered Germany.

A look at the numbers shows: By the beginning of May 2025, 17 crimes had been registered, with an estimated total loss of around 775,000 euros. In the entire year of 2024 there were only four thefts, which caused total damage of around 130,000 euros. This sounds like an increasing trend that is putting the agricultural industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania under pressure. Like that NDR reported, break-ins have also been recorded in other places such as Schwinkendorf, Teterow, Ducherow, Dersekow and Glasin.

Burglaries with significant damage

The most recent incidents are alarming: In Schwinkendorf, thieves stole plant protection products worth around 40,000 euros. A similar break-in was also recorded in Breesen, in which agricultural chemicals and electronic devices with an estimated total value of 42,000 euros were stolen. These figures are just the tip of the iceberg, as they show that agricultural businesses are increasingly being targeted. Experts suspect that the increase in thefts is primarily related to the demand for such materials, which are essential for many farmers.

Police note that spring is a particularly active time for farm break-ins. While the motives of the perpetrators remain unclear, the African heat periods are taking a back seat and agriculture continues to be under pressure to secure stocks. The investigators have repeatedly emphasized that the security precautions in these companies are often not sufficient to prevent such break-ins.

Extensive observations and arrests

In another incident, more than 100 bags of seeds were stolen at the border with Poland. A man who had previously behaved suspiciously was arrested. These incidents worry not only farmers, but also law enforcement, who must develop strategies to increase farm safety.

In summary, the long history of farm attacks means that both police and farmers must remain vigilant. While the perpetrators in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are becoming increasingly bold, it is important that the region makes joint efforts to ensure security in agriculture and combat break-ins efficiently.