Burglary alarm in MV: Police warn of increasing thefts!

Burglary alarm in MV: Police warn of increasing thefts!

As autumn approaches, not only the colors of the leaves change, but also the security situation in our residential areas. The time change, which makes the days shorter and the nights longer, brings with it an increased risk of break-ins. The police warn urgently about burglars and give valuable tips on how to protect our four walls. With “Burglary Protection Day” coming up on Sunday, it is more important than ever to pay attention to security. NDR reports that there were 939 cases of residential burglary in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania last year - 49 more than in 2023. This shows how relevant the topic is for all of us.

The clearance rate in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is 26.8 percent, while the numbers in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg don't look quite as rosy: there the clearance rate is 14.7 percent and 9 percent. A total of 3,008 thefts were recorded in Hamburg in 2024. What is particularly worrying is the increase in break-ins into agricultural businesses, where the perpetrators often target expensive crop protection products and seeds. The police recommend that front doors and windows are always carefully locked and that spare keys are not hidden in the garden.

Statistics at a glance

But what does it actually look like across Germany? According to the police crime statistics (PKS), the number of residential burglaries increased slightly again in 2024. A total of 78,436 cases, including attempted break-ins, were recorded. While this number is below pre-pandemic levels, it shows that burglaries remain a significant issue. In 2023, there were around 119,000 thefts in and out of apartments, of which around 77,800 were classified as residential burglaries. The clearance rate for these crimes was 15.3 percent in 2024 and suggests a certain need for action. k-slump highlights that almost half of the burglaries (46.3 percent) failed, indicating that good security measures can actually be effective.

The unreported study by the Federal Criminal Police Office shows that 27.1 percent of the population is worried about possible home break-ins. The thieves' favorite target? High quality electric bikes. This confirms the statement that it is worth investing in sensible security technology and paying attention to your neighbors. Because collective vigilance can make a crucial difference.

Prevention measures

So what exactly can you do to protect yourself and your home? Police offer some basic advice. Make sure that you always lock windows and doors securely, use appropriate security technology and avoid posting on social networks that reveal your absence. Suspicious observations should also be reported immediately so that we can react quickly.

The clearance rate depends heavily on the active cooperation of the population. Measures such as neighborhood assistance and vigilance can help to further reduce the number of break-ins. Burglaries can not only cause material damage, but can also affect the privacy and peace of mind of those affected. Statista highlights that the burglary rate is highest in urban federal states, while it is significantly lower in more rural regions.

In summary: Autumn not only brings beautiful colors, but also a time when we should be particularly vigilant. Secure your home, talk to your neighbors and enjoy the season more worry-free!