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Be careful in the supermarket: Police warn of a wave of pickpocketing!
Police warn of pickpocketing in supermarkets in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. Older people are particularly affected.
Be careful in the supermarket: Police warn of a wave of pickpocketing!
In Schwerin and the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, the authorities are sounding the alarm: a new wave of pickpocketing in supermarkets is causing concern. The police warn in particular about the methods used by perpetrators, who often target older people. In recent days there have been an increasing number of incidents in which wallets were stolen unnoticed from handbags, backpacks or jacket pockets. The villains often act according to the motto “looking for part of the loot” and distract their victims with questions while an accomplice strikes. The damage already amounts to at least 2,000 euros. Shops in Boizenburg, Neustadt-Glewe and Goldberg are particularly affected, with almost all of the theft victims being in markets that are not under video surveillance [NDR].
The police advise you to be particularly careful: important valuables should always be carried close to your body and well locked. Leaving bags on the shopping cart or leaving jackets open can be easy prey for thieves. The PIN number should never be kept in your wallet. If suspicious people or abnormalities are observed, the police ask for relevant information.
Preventive measures and education
Did you know that, according to police crime statistics, 109,314 pickpocketings were recorded across Germany in 2023? This number has decreased slightly, but the total damage caused by such crimes will amount to an impressive 52.4 million euros in 2024. The perpetrators are often international professionals who also become active during rush hour or shortly before closing time. Victims often only notice their loss much later, resulting in a low clearance rate of just 6.9 percent. This is accompanied by the concern that pickpocketing, along with bicycle theft and property damage, is one of the most common crimes in public spaces, as the GSG9 has registered.
The message is clear: be careful where you leave your valuables and be vigilant! A good hand can help protect your belongings. Here in Northern Germany, everyone's safety is a common concern - so be vigilant and report suspicious people or situations to the police. This is a small but effective step for more security in your everyday life!