Crime wave hits central Hesse as police hunt multiple suspects in thefts and burglaries
A series of crimes struck central Hesse over the past week, leaving residents and police on alert. Between thefts, burglaries, and vandalism, authorities are now appealing for witnesses to help identify those responsible.
Friedberg Criminal Police (Kripo) are leading investigations into several incidents, including a car theft, a home burglary, and fraudulent card transactions.
The first incident occurred on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, when two men targeted a 62-year-old woman in a supermarket car park in Butzbach. They stole her bank card and later withdrew over €2,000, making multiple purchases before she noticed. The suspect is described as around 40 years old, 165–170 cm tall, with a stocky build.
Just three days later, on Saturday, February 28, a trick thief struck again in Butzbach. This time, the culprit hugged an elderly woman in the afternoon before snatching her necklace and fleeing.
That same evening, between 5:30 PM and 10:05 PM, burglars broke into a single-family home in Petterweil's Höfer Weg. They forced open the patio door and stole cash and jewellery. Witnesses reported seeing two men, both around 30 years old, with fair complexions. One wore a black cap, sunglasses, jeans, and a winter jacket, while the other had on a black fisherman's hat, dark scarf, jeans, and a black jacket.
Between Sunday, March 1, 7:00 PM, and Monday, March 2, 7:40 AM, thieves stole a blue Ford RAV4 (license plate FB-D 344) from Ringstraße in Dortelweil. The vehicle's security system was bypassed, and the car remains missing.
Meanwhile, in Gedern, vandals spray-painted a parking lot wall with graffiti, including a swastika, between Thursday, February 26, 4:00 PM, and Friday, February 27, 9:55 AM. Police have not yet identified any suspects.
Local reports from December 2025 to February 2026 show scattered cases of break-ins and thefts across central Hesse. However, no official statistics have been released for the region during this period.
Friedberg Kripo is actively investigating all incidents and urging anyone with information to come forward. The stolen Ford RAV4 has not been recovered, and the suspects in the burglary and fraud cases remain at large. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
