# Crime prevention initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crime-prevention-initiatives-in-north-rhine-westphalia > Updated: 2026-10-22T13:50:15.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. Police in North Rhine-Westphalia have launched various community outreach and prevention campaigns targeting specific types of crime. In the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, authorities organized events in Bergisch Gladbach and Overath to educate citizens, particularly seniors, on protecting themselves against fraud—including romance scams and fake bank employees—and pickpocketing. Specific scheduled activities in early October 2026 included a theater performance and police advice session at the Odenthal school center, as well as an information stand regarding pickpocketing at the Aldi market in Strundepark. A lecture at the Walburger Haus in Overath focused on scammer tactics such as “shock calls,” fake bank employees, and romance scamming. While fraud cases in the state saw a 4.6 percent decrease compared to 2024, pickpocketing rates rose between 2022 and 2023. In a broader state-wide effort, police have initiated burglary prevention campaigns to combat the seasonal rise in break-ins. During an action day held in October 2026, authorities provided advice on technical security upgrades, the use of light timers, and organizing neighborhood assistance to manage mailboxes. Authorities noted that the winter surge is driven by both local offenders and “highly professional international gangs, often traveling from Southeast Europe.” Data from the North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office (LKA) regarding 2025 statistics shows 27,530 recorded burglaries and attempted burglaries, averaging 75 cases per day. Although this was a 3.3 percent decrease compared to 2024, December remains the most active month with approximately 4,000 cases and an average of 129 incidents per day. The police reported a clearance rate of approximately 12 percent, solving nearly 3,300 cases. Of the roughly 3,000 suspects identified, half did not hold German citizenship. As the darker months begin, authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate have expanded their prevention efforts through a dedicated “Day of Burglary Protection.” ## Claims - Half of the approximately 3,000 suspects did not hold German citizenship. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The NRW State Criminal Police Office recorded 27,530 burglary cases in 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Burglary cases in NRW decreased by 3.3 percent compared to 2024. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The police solved approximately 12 percent of the cases, totaling nearly 3,300. (corroborated by 5 sources) - December is the month with the highest number of burglaries in NRW, with about 4,000 cases. (corroborated by 5 sources) - In December, there are an average of 129 burglaries per day in NRW. (corroborated by 5 sources) - North Rhine-Westphalia police are holding an action day to advise residents on burglary protection. (corroborated by 4 sources) - There were 27,530 burglaries and attempted burglaries in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Burglary cases in North Rhine-Westphalia decreased by 3.3 percent compared to 2024. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The police solved approximately 3,300 cases, a clearance rate of about 12 percent. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Half of the more than 3,000 suspects did not hold German citizenship. (corroborated by 4 sources) - December is the month with the highest number of burglaries in North Rhine-Westphalia, with about 4,000 cases. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: German police launch burglary prevention campaign German police are intensifying burglary prevention efforts across North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate as the dark season begins, warning of a seasonal rise in residential break-ins. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-rhine-westphalia-police-launch-burglary-prevention-campaign ### 2026-10-02: Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis police host crime prevention events Police in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis are holding community events in Bergisch Gladbach and Overath to provide education on preventing pickpocketing and fraud targeting seniors. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rheinisch-bergischer-kreis-police-host-crime-prevention-events --- Cite as: Crime prevention initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crime-prevention-initiatives-in-north-rhine-westphalia