Police are looking for witnesses: EC card thief after break-in in Bernau!

Police are looking for witnesses: EC card thief after break-in in Bernau!

In Cologne, what is happening in the crime landscape is currently being closely monitored. A particularly explosive case from Barnim, which reminds us how important it is to be vigilant, has been attracting the attention of investigators since the end of April 2025. The criminal police are looking for witnesses to a break-in at a local company in which a debit card was stolen. Shortly after the theft, it was used to withdraw cash from an ATM in the city center. Another withdrawal attempt followed, but the card was already blocked. The police are asking the public for help. Anyone who has information about the suspected perpetrators should call 03338 3610 or send an email to polbb.eu/ notice.

The incident fuels fear and creates an uneasy feeling, especially at a time when crime in Germany is showing a downward trend, according to 2024 statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office (PKS). According to Statista, there was a decrease in overall crime by 1.7% to around 5.84 million cases last year. However, the increase in certain crimes, particularly fraud, remains a major issue. A clear indication that citizens should remain careful, especially when it comes to using debit and credit cards.

How to protect yourself and respond

The police recommend acting immediately if cards are lost or stolen. Since the introduction of the blocking emergency number 116 116 on July 1, 2005, consumers have been able to have their cards blocked quickly and easily. This central emergency number applies to over 90% of all bank and payment cards. In order to minimize financial damages following an incident, it is advisable to contact the relevant bank before any losses occur. Information about this can be found on the Police Advisory Service website.

In addition, a current trend shows that, according to Statista, more and more people are becoming victims of card fraud, which clearly underlines the importance of preventative measures. It is crucial to learn what to do if you lose your card and to take appropriate precautions to avoid becoming the next victim.

An entertaining, if worrying, example

Another notable event that caught the attention of authorities was the arrest of a driver in a Ford Transit. On August 11, 2025, a police officer observed the driver having difficulty keeping his vehicle in his lane. Upon closer inspection, not only was there a clear smell of alcohol, but an empty liquor bottle was also found in the interior. The 58-year-old man had a blood alcohol level of 2.73 per mille and had to surrender his driver's license and provide a blood sample.

Considering such incidents, it becomes clear that crime comes in different forms. While the overall crime statistics point to a positive trend, there is still much to be vigilant about in the details and especially in the personal stories. Cologne residents, stay alert and stay informed! Because thinking and acting for yourself is the best way to avoid such incidents.