Burglars strike in Petersberg: 5,000 euros in damage!

Burglars strike in Petersberg: 5,000 euros in damage!

Last night there was a break-in in a single-family home in Petersberg, more precisely in the Beidersee district. Unknown perpetrators gained access unnoticed and ransacked all the cupboards on the ground floor while the owners were sleeping on the upper floor. Among other things, two wallets and keys were stolen, as was a small car that was parked in front of the front door. The preliminary damage is estimated at around 5,000 euros. Forensic scientists were on site to secure evidence and begin the investigation. This is an example of the increasing number of cases of residential burglaries that have also been documented in Germany in recent years. According to [BKA](https://www.bka.de/DE/ UnserAufgabe/Deliktsbereich/Wohnungseinbruchdiebstahl/wohnungseinbruchdiebstahl_node.html), the victims often suffer from long-term psychological problems and a severely impaired sense of security.

The numbers speak for themselves: residential burglaries continue to be a major problem. The numbers rose to 77,800 cases in 2023, which is the highest level since 2019, and general crime has also increased following the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an increased risk of residential break-ins, particularly in urban regions, which is also reflected in the latest statistics. This is also an issue of increasing importance in Cologne, a metropolis whose residents are confronted with such threats.

Burglars in the focus of the police

The police are currently observing an increase in burglaries in the region, especially in urban areas such as Cologne. The perpetrators are often well-organized gangs that also operate internationally and often come from Southeast and Eastern Europe. They gain unauthorized access to living spaces, often through forced entry or exploiting weak points in doors and windows. The clearance rate for residential burglaries will be 14.9 percent in 2023, a value that also causes concern among citizens in Cologne.

The security authorities are working intensively on measures to combat this crime. Strategic police work, preventative measures and intensive investigations have priority. As Statista shows, the perpetrators are often German nationals and known to the police, who operate specifically in certain regions. The number of cases shows that burglaries increase on average, particularly in the winter months, when many people travel or are often in the mood to go out.

Psychological consequences for those affected

The consequences of a home burglary are not just of a material nature for those affected. Violation of privacy often leads to long-term psychological problems. Victims of burglaries report persistent fear and a disturbed sense of security in their own four walls. In addition, people are not only confronted with missing objects, but also with the real threat that a stranger has misused their own space.

In this context, it becomes clear that residential burglary is not just a crime problem, but also has profound social effects. It is therefore important to educate the population in the region about prevention options and to raise awareness of how they can protect themselves from such attacks. It is advisable to secure valuable items, always close windows and doors and, if there is any suspicion, to inform the police immediately.

The developments in Petersberg are another wake-up call to address the issue of burglary protection. Together we can make our neighborhoods safer.