Consultation by the Commission on the proposed legislation safeguarding the environment.
The Rhein-Erft district police have been making significant strides in combating thefts from tradespeople's vehicles since the initiation of a strategic investigation. Over the past few months, they have taken over a hundred criminal charges and enforced over 500 administrative offenses.
The strategic investigation, a legally regulated instrument, allows the police to carry out person and vehicle checks in a temporally and locally defined area without a specific initial suspicion. This approach has proven effective, as the number of registered thefts from tradespeople's vehicles has decreased significantly in May compared to the peak in April. In fact, the number of cases decreased by two-thirds in May compared to the months of January 2025 to April 2025.
County Administrator Frank Rock has praised the strategic investigation, stating that it is the right way to uncover, combat criminal structures, and further strengthen security in the Rhein-Erft district. The results of the investigation are providing clues for new investigative approaches for other police authorities.
The seizure of tools used by offenders has supplemented the investigation results and provided valuable insights into the methods of criminals. Offenders often assess the expected loot before breaking into a vehicle or smashing a window. Removing valuable items from vehicles when leaving and parking them can help prevent thefts. Leaving valuable items openly visible in vehicles can attract attention from offenders.
The majority of cases were detected by officers in Kerpen, Hürth, and Bergheim. The police encourage the public to immediately inform them of any suspicious observations by calling the emergency number 110. This will enable them to initiate necessary measures and follow up on leads.
County Administrator Frank Rock has recently extended the strategic investigation into combating thefts from tradespeople's vehicles for an additional 28 days. For press inquiries, the Rhein-Erft district police headquarters can be contacted at the phone number 02271 81-3305, fax number 02271 81-3309, or via email at [email protected].
Since the beginning of the year, police officers in Rhein-Erft-Kreis have recorded a total of more than 350 cases (completed crimes and attempts). The extension of the strategic investigation for an additional 28 days was announced on August 17, 2025. The results of the ongoing investigation are expected to continue providing valuable insights into the fight against thefts from tradespeople's vehicles.
