Series of fires in Nortorf: Police are looking for perpetrators with a reward!

Series of fires in Nortorf: Police are looking for perpetrators with a reward!

A worrying series of fires has been causing excitement in Nortorf, northern Germany, since the beginning of 2023, and police have now launched an arson investigation. Constanze Becker from the Neumünster police describes the situation as alarming as the fires in the region have increased in frequency and intensity. First it affected straw bales, then cars and now even homes. On June 2nd, two thatched roof houses in Dätgen and Schülp caught fire, with the latter burning down completely.

The dramatic events in Schülp occurred in the early hours of the morning; At 2:29 a.m., around 120 firefighters responded to fight the fire. Fortunately, the residents were able to escape “just barely,” but two people suffered minor smoke inhalation and had to be taken to hospital. In view of the suspicion of arson, the public prosecutor's office has offered a reward of 3,000 euros for information about the perpetrator. Initial investigations are underway into attempted murder and other serious crimes, as shz.de reports.

Chronology of the fires

The chronology of the fires in the region shows the worrying development. Here are some of the incidents:

• 5. Januar: Carport in Warder brennt; mehrere Fahrräder betroffen.
• 22. Februar: 80 Strohballen in Nortorf brennen; Feuerwehr im Einsatz.
• 1. März: Feuer im Zentrum von Nortorf, Pizzeria und Eiscafé betroffen; keine Verletzten.
• 23. März: Gartenlaube in Nortorf brennt; mehrere Hühner sterben.
• 6. April: Auf dem Wilwarin-Festivalgelände brennen zwei Seecontainer; Verdacht auf Brandstiftung.
• 13. April: Eine Scheune auf einem Pferdehof in Blumenthal wird zerstört; ein Verletzter.
• 14. Mai: Reetdachhaus in Dätgen brennt vollständig nieder.

The officials from Neumünster are keeping a close eye on the incidents and are waiting for the results of the ongoing investigation. Press spokesman Sönke Petersen emphasizes that the police are doing everything they can to clarify the background to this series of fires. “There is something going on and we are taking it seriously,” said Petersen.

Review of arson in Germany

The increase in arson is not just limited to Nortorf. According to a study by the Federal Criminal Police Office, an increase in the number of arson cases recorded by the police has been documented in Germany in recent years. The Statista study shows that a significant number of cases were recorded between 2014 and 2024, further increasing the concerns of those responsible. The data is available on Statista.

The Neumünster police are asking the public for help: Tips can be received by phone at 04321-945-0 or by email at sg5.neumuenster.ki@polizei.landsh.de. Every tip can be crucial in holding those responsible for these cowardly acts accountable and restoring security in the region.

The situation remains tense and the investigation is in full swing. The population is required to be vigilant - after all, it is about their safety.