Christmas tree thieves strike: retailers in Göttingen in shock!

Christmas tree thieves strike: retailers in Göttingen in shock!

During the contemplative time of year, when the lights are shining and the anticipation of Christmas is in the air, an unexpected phenomenon is causing unrest in the Göttingen district: we are talking about brazen Christmas tree thefts. In the small but beautiful Göttingen, the mood among the traders is clouded because thieves are apparently targeting the festive trees. Ariane Haddinga, owner of the “Dragon Shop”, has already lost her Christmas tree. He was standing unsecured in front of her shop and has now disappeared without a trace. What is particularly noticeable is that Haddinga usually buys three trees because she expects them to be stolen. But the fact that this is happening more than two weeks before Christmas this year is new and disappointing for them.

The circumstances of the theft are as remarkable as the loss itself. Haddinga reported that the metal strap and lock securing the tree remained undamaged. Another example is Kai Schäfer from “Teddy’s Spielekiste”: Despite using 90 cable ties to secure his tree, the next day he only found leftover needles and severed cable ties. Surveillance camera footage shows a suspicious woman living nearby, but it remains a mystery whether police can help. So far, the officers have only registered a single theft and have not received any criminal charges. Haddinga also left the police in the dark because they thought there was little chance of the tree being returned. Instead, she plans to take another tree out of her storage – better secured, of course.

A bigger problem

However, the thefts are not just limited to Göttingen. In nearby Osterode, also in the Göttingen district, between 40 and 50 Christmas trees were stolen. The perpetrators broke down a construction fence and stole trees worth around 1,500 euros. The police assume that a larger vehicle or a trailer was used for the transport. These acts demonstrate a worrying development: According to the industry association VNWB, thefts of Christmas trees have increased significantly in recent years. Sometimes up to 100 trees disappear in one night, which indicates the presence of professional gangs.

The affected stalls are increasingly being targeted by thieves. It is stolen not only from tree crops, but also during sales at temporary stalls or Christmas markets. The sales stands in public places, in retirement homes, schools and daycare centers are very popular with criminals, who apparently have little regard for the festive atmosphere.

Price increase and continued demand

Despite the current difficulties, Christmas business remains robust overall. The prices for Nordmann firs, which are between 21 and 29 euros per linear meter this year, have increased by one euro compared to last year. This price increase is also due to increased energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers and the effects of climate change. There are an estimated 23 to 25 million Christmas trees in German households, including five million for decorative purposes - a clear indicator of Germans' enthusiasm for the contemplative season, even if Christmas tree theft casts a dark cloud over the holidays.

Overall, the thefts in Göttingen as well as in other regions of the country are making people sit up and take notice. Dealers and customers hope for a contemplative and violence-free time until Christmas. It remains to be seen how retailers will adapt their security measures and whether police will take action to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The situation shows the importance of mutual vigilance among traders and the community. Perhaps the shared eyes of the local audience will help make Christmas a carefree experience this year too.