Witness hands over stolen license plates in Brandenburg – How to save costs!

Witness hands over stolen license plates in Brandenburg – How to save costs!

A notable incident involving car thefts was recently reported in Brandenburg an der Havel. On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., an alert witness handed the police two found registration plates. They were not wanted, which posed some puzzles for the officers, but they were able to solve the case quickly. The local authorities were quickly on the scene when the witness discovered the license plates on the Trauberg, near Bauhofstrasse, thus revealing a possible theft. Cityreport reports that the vehicle owner, a 40-year-old, has already been informed because her car was unused in an unpaved parking lot near the main train station.

During the inspection, police discovered that both the front and rear license plates of the Seat had been torn off and stolen. Fortunately, the injured party was able to get her license plates back, which not only saved her effort but also various costs. A report was filed to officially document the incident and take further necessary action.

Increasing vehicle crime in view

This incident fits into an overall worrying picture, as motor vehicle crime in Germany has increased in recent years. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, a total of 15,924 cars were permanently stolen in 2023, which corresponds to an increase of 9 percent compared to the previous year. The perpetrators are increasingly focusing on vehicles from foreign manufacturers, as reported by BKA. Brands such as Toyota, Hyundai and Kia are particularly affected.

In addition, the number of stolen trucks experienced a huge growth of over 48 percent, which can be attributed to a specific series of thefts. Mobile homes also remain a target for perpetrators due to their high profit margin. Against this background, it is more important than ever to take appropriate protective measures to counteract vehicle theft. The recommended measures include not leaving keys directly at the apartment or apartment door, but rather storing them in aluminum cases or special boxes in order to minimize the risk of theft via “keyless go” systems.

What to do if your vehicle is stolen?

If a vehicle is stolen, you are advised to call the police emergency number 110 immediately. This is the only way to quickly advertise the stolen vehicle as a wanted vehicle. It is also essential to file a criminal complaint in order to receive support from the police. After filing the complaint, you will receive a confirmation, which is also important for the insurance company. The process should be done as early as possible to help possibly get the vehicle back. Here you have the option of filing a report online, in writing or directly at a police station, which makes the process much easier Brandenburg Police.

The local emergency services work closely with other authorities and vehicle manufacturers to effectively counteract vehicle crime. As the number of cases increases, comprehensive prevention work is necessary to educate citizens about risks and protective measures.