- Gang allegedly swiped more than 60 instances of drills, wheels, and fishing equipment.
In Stuttgart, a group of individuals illegally obtain cable drums from a company site. Meanwhile, thieves make off with around 30 bicycles from a shop in Sigmaringen. A suspected car thief causes a stir nationwide by committing over a dozen break-ins at car dealerships. Gang members are accused of vandalizing caravans, robbing jewelry stores, and even desecrating cemeteries. When these individuals are brought to trial, they typically remain silent.
The Regional Court of Heilbronn is preparing to hear from a trio of individuals from Moldova and Romania, who are charged with organized crime. At the beginning of the trial, the trio refused to speak.
This trio, comprising two 27-year-olds and an alleged 41-year-old accomplice, are said to have made their living through theft. According to the prosecutor's office, at least 64 incidents between February 2023 and February 2024 can be attributed to them. The judge presiding over the case warned the defendants of potential lengthy prison sentences if they did not confess.
Bicycles and fishing equipment were among the items stolen
Not all of these incidents resulted in successful thefts, as the detailed prosecutor's indictment revealed. Despite this, goods worth over 200,000 euros were stolen during this period, including tires, drills, radios, vacuum cleaners, electric bicycles, construction equipment, and even fishing equipment. In one night, they broke into nine garages in Rauenberg, causing property damage estimated to be over 150,000 euros.
The men have been in custody since February and early March 2024. Investigations revealed crime scenes in Eppingen, Nordheim, and Schwaigern, among other places.
What is organized crime?
The legal system refers to organized crime as a type of theft committed by a group, accompanied by certain aggravating circumstances. These circumstances include breaking into a dwelling, using weapons or other dangerous tools, or stealing items of significant value. Organized crime is punishable by imprisonment for a term of one to ten years. No fine is applicable. A prison sentence of six months to five years may also be imposed in less severe cases.
The number of such crimes increased by approximately 11% last year, according to the Ministry of the Interior. The primary reason for this increase is the surge in shoplifting, which rose by more than 24% compared to the previous year, according to statistics. The ministry does not anticipate any significant changes in theft offenses for the current year.
Criminals are becoming increasingly active
According to criminal statistics, the total number of theft cases increased again last year. The police reported a total of 177,121 theft offenses, representing an increase of almost 14% compared to 2022 and a slight increase of over 11% compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019.
According to Strobl, theft occurs most frequently in areas where the opportunity presents itself. "By implementing simple preventive or security measures, the theft of bicycles and e-bikes, motorcycles, and theft from and of motor vehicles can be made so challenging for criminals that they will not even attempt it, or will fail in their attempt," advises the CDU Minister. Furthermore, knowledge of pickpocket methods and tricks can help minimize the risk of being robbed during shopping or at events. Basic security standards should also be considered for new construction and renovations.
The trio facing trial at the Regional Court of Heilbronn for organized crime are associated with The Commission, a group accused of multiple thefts. If the defendants do not confess, they may face lengthy prison sentences, as organizing crime and committing theft with aggravating circumstances like breaking into dwellings or stealing valuable items is punishable by imprisonment for a term of one to ten years.
