Crime wave hits Main-Taunus-Kreis as fraud spikes and burglaries decline
A series of incidents unfolded across the Main-Taunus-Kreis region on March 9, 2026. Police reported crimes ranging from fraud and theft to public disturbances, while long-term data shows a shift in local crime trends. Fraud cases have risen sharply, though burglaries have dropped significantly in recent years.
The day began with two separate fraud attempts in Eppstein. At noon, an elderly woman in Bremthal lost âŹ2,000 to a man posing as a health insurance employee. Around the same time, a resident narrowly avoided falling for a 'shock call' scam, where the fraudster pretended to be a police officer demanding âŹ80,000 in bail for the victim's supposed daughter.
Later, at 2:20 PM, a car veered off State Road 3011 between Hofheim-Lorsbach and Eppstein, flipping onto its side. Emergency services responded, though no serious injuries were reported. At 2:30 PM, a fight broke out among teenagers on Auf der Hohlmauer street in Kriftel. Three suspects were involved, and one victim suffered facial injuries before the attackers fled on foot. Witnesses provided descriptions of the suspects to police. Meanwhile, a daycare centre on ClassmannstraĂe in Hochheim was discovered burgled on the morning of March 9. The break-in occurred between 1:00 PM on March 8 and 8:30 AM on March 9, with cash, a mobile phone, and a laptop stolen. At 3:50 PM, a man exposed himself in the parking lot of a supermarket on Wickerer StraĂe in FlĂśrsheim. Police are reviewing security footage and seeking witnesses. Longer-term data from the *Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik Hessen (PKV 2024)* reveals a 15â20% rise in fraud casesâparticularly cybercrime and online rental scamsâbetween 2020 and 2024. However, burglaries have fallen by 25â30% in the same period, credited to improved prevention and policing efforts.
Authorities are investigating each incident, with fraud and public safety remaining key concerns. The drop in burglaries contrasts with the growing threat of online and phone scams in the region. Police urge residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately.
