Crime spree hits city: Theft, counterfeit cash, and vandalism in 24 hours
A series of crimes unfolded in the city over the past 24 hours. Police arrested a 34-year-old man for theft after he assaulted a store detective at a supermarket on Theodor-Heuss-Ring. Meanwhile, an unknown suspect tried to buy cigarettes with counterfeit money at a local petrol station late on Thursday night.
Other incidents included vandalism to a parked car and the theft of a gumball machine from a wall at An der Lehmkuhle.
The first incident occurred at a supermarket on Theodor-Heuss-Ring, where a 34-year-old homeless man was caught stealing. When confronted by a loss prevention officer, he shoved the detective aside and tried to escape. Police arrived quickly and took him into custody. Authorities are now investigating the case as robbery by theft to prevent further offences.
Just before midnight on Thursday, a man attempted to purchase a large number of cigarettes at a petrol station using fake €20 notes. The cashier spotted the counterfeit bills and refused the sale. The suspect then fled without the cigarettes or the money.
Earlier, unknown offenders ripped a gumball machine from the wall at An der Lehmkuhle during the night leading into Thursday. Separately, a parked black Nissan Qashqai had its windshield damaged at Strobeler Platz between 12:30 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. on the same day.
Counterfeit money remains a persistent issue in Germany. While exact case numbers for 2023 are unclear, financial losses from fake currency dropped from €5.1 million in 2023 to €4.5 million in 2024. The most commonly counterfeited notes are €50 and €20 denominations.
The 34-year-old suspect remains in custody while police continue their investigation. Authorities have not yet identified the man who attempted to use counterfeit money at the petrol station. Damage to the Nissan Qashqai and the stolen gumball machine are also under review by local officers.
