"Open your eyes and close your bag! Thieves are always on the move",
The loss of wallets, cell phones and keys often means real identity theft for those affected:
Personal items and photos in the smartphone are often lost forever, in the worst case scenario the account is emptied and expensive subscriptions and purchases are made by the thieves using the ID card.
And pickpockets find their victims wherever there are lots of people and crowds!
This happens preferably on public transport, at train stations, airports, in pedestrian zones, in discos and restaurants, at trade fairs or public festivals, but also during everyday shopping in supermarkets and large department stores.
In terms of purely statistical figures, the long-term trend continued nationwide and the numbers fell compared to the figures for 2016/2017, for example.
According to the PKS NRW, a total of 37,321 pickpocketing offences were reported in Germany's largest federal state in 2022, compared to 27,577 in 2021. In 2016 and 2017, over 50,000 pickpocketing offences were reported (2016 = 50,893 cases, 2017 = 41,178 cases)
In the area of responsibility of the Siegen-Wittgenstein district police authority, the following picture has emerged in recent years:
It is clear that after peaking in 2015 with 476 offenses, the number of offenses declined again. According to the PKS, there were 200 cases of pickpocketing in the district in 2022, compared to 193 in 2021.
Prevention is a key part of the police strategy in the fight against pickpocketing. After all, educating all citizens about how pickpockets commit their crimes and tips on how to protect themselves against pickpockets has proven to be the most effective way of preventing such crimes.
And so, of course, the prevention tips are also aimed at all citizens in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district, who can also become victims of pickpockets at any time, not only here, but also when visiting other large cities, shopping or attending larger events in the surrounding area, as well as during leisure activities and vacations.
Under the slogan "Open your eyes and close your bag! Thieves are always on the move." the police inform:
- about the tricks of pickpockets
- how you can best protect yourself from pickpockets
- and how to behave - without endangering yourself - if you observe a pickpocket
Police investigations are often made more difficult by the fact that victims only notice the theft later. This makes it difficult to determine the exact location of the crime and identify the possible perpetrator. Observations by the victim or witnesses are rare and descriptions of the perpetrator are the exception.
And pickpockets come in many different shapes and sizes. The tricksters often work in teams. They distract the victims. The victim is jostled, a traffic jam is provoked in a crowd. They often pretend to ask for the time or directions. An accomplice takes the wallet or cell phone from the victim's pocket and disappears inconspicuously.
Prevention is therefore the best way to prevent pickpockets, and even simple behavioral measures can prevent pickpocketing. Protect yourself by being aware of the dangers when handling your valuables.
Under the motto: "Open your eyes and close your bag!", the police offer the following advice and tips:
- Carry only the essentials in terms of cash, debit and credit cards. Carry these items as close to your body as possible and spread them out - for example in belt pouches, breast pouches or closed inside pockets in your clothing.
- Always keep EC or credit cards separate from the code/PIN.
- Never place wallets and purses in shopping bags or carts when shopping.
- Always keep handbags closed and never leave them unattended.
- Backpacks that are carried on your back should not contain money or valuables, as they are easy prey.
- Leave valuable items and irretrievable mementos at home.
- If possible, avoid crowds of people.
- In unavoidable crowds and in confusing situations, consciously pay even more attention to your valuables.
- Do not handle large amounts of money in public.
- Always take special care with strangers and do not take advantage of their willingness to help!
- If in doubt, refuse help politely but firmly and refer them to other obvious options (younger people, stores, police).
- Always keep your distance and forbid any kind of confidential approach by unknown persons.
- In case of doubt or suspicion, ask other people for help and support when dealing with intrusive strangers.
- Remember: thieves' fingers are usually quick and very skilled in their grasp!
- If you are robbed, please do not put yourself in further danger by fighting back - seek support, protection and help from other passers-by by approaching them or calling loudly for help.
- Alert the nearest police immediately. Make a report, describing the perpetrator(s), direction and means of escape (vehicles / license plates) as precisely as possible.
- Immediately block stolen EC and credit cards (central blocking emergency number: 116 116) at your financial institution
Remember:
Victims of pickpocketing often lose more than just their money.
Recovering ID cards and keys is very time-consuming and expensive. Personal items and photos are often lost forever. Sensitive data and personal photos on smartphones fall into unknown hands. In the worst case, bank accounts and credit cards are emptied and subscriptions and purchases are made with the ID card.
Further information is available from the: Crime Prevention / Victim Protection Department in Siegen on 0271-7099-4800 or also at