Dramatic shoplifting in Minden: perpetrator escapes with a toothbrush!

Dramatic shoplifting in Minden: perpetrator escapes with a toothbrush!

Next year, after the incident in April 2023, the predatory theft of an electric toothbrush in an e-center in Minden (Minden-Lübbecke) does not remain without aftermath. The incident observed by an employee via a surveillance camera shows an increasing problem with shoplifting in Germany.

The stranger took an electric toothbrush during his stay in the shopping market on Königstrasse and hid it in his clothes. When he only paid a drink and a bag of chips at the self -service fund, the man's suspicious behavior noticed the security officer. This spoke to the thief and led him to a less frequented area of ​​business.

drainage and escape of the perpetrator

The perpetrator, who is described as about 30 to 35 years old and described with dark hair and a chin beard, vehemently resisted the determination of his personal details. In the handmade with the shop detective, who was able to snatch the hooded jacket, the man easily injured the employee and then fled with the stolen toothbrush. He left the business towards Königstrasse, where he climbed into a light vehicle and drove away with several other people. The police ask for clues to his whereabouts and hopes for support from the population. Notes can be transmitted on the phone number (0571) 88660 or (0571) 8866-0.

The recordings of the incident are used after a judicial decision for a public investigation to identify the perpetrator and to be accountable.

increasing number of shoplifting in Germany

The incident in Minden is not isolated. The number of shop theft in Germany has experienced a worrying increase. In 2022, the police recorded an increase in the displayed cases by 34.3 percent. This corresponds to almost 345,000 theft, which is 5.8 percent above the level of corona pandemic. The Trade Association of Germany (HDE) expresses that the general theft figures are interpreted as a return to normality after they have dropped due to shop closures in 2020 and 2021.

The losses of retail by thefts were around 3.7 billion euros in 2022, which corresponds to an increase of 15 percent compared to 2021. The influence of price increases on crime is particularly worrying. EHI expert Frank Horst points out that higher prices could increase the theft readiness.

A significant share of the thefts is no longer necessary. The thefts are often carried out by professional thieves gangs who act with very efficient division of labor. The lion's share of the loss amount of over 2.4 billion euros was received by customers, while thefts were around 920 million euros by employees.

In this context, incidents such as the one in Minden are not only individual cases, but also reflect a bigger problem. The authorities are required not only to take the perpetrators responsible, but also to take preventive measures to ensure retail security.