Germany reports wave of petty thefts in cities and towns

Police across several German regions reported a series of petty thefts. In Jena, an 86‑year‑old man had his wallet taken from the back pocket of his trousers while shopping in a supermarket on Altenburger Straße. In Ihlienworth, a cigarette vending machine was forced open and its cash and cigarettes stolen. In Bremerhaven, a 30‑year‑old woman discovered her bicycle missing after a man rode away on a mountain bike, leading to the suspect’s arrest later that night. In Weiden, a 24‑year‑old shoplifter fled a consumer market with several beer cans, losing his mobile phone in the process, which was later recovered. A Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter used as a company vehicle was broken into, with nine high‑value construction machines taken. Finally, in Neuss, an 82‑year‑old senior handed his debit card and PIN to a young man for assistance at a checkout, only to have the card stolen shortly thereafter. Police in each case have opened investigations and are seeking witnesses or suspects.