Motorhome thieves strike again: two cases in Nuremberg!

Motorhome thieves strike again: two cases in Nuremberg!

In a worrying development, the thefts of motorhomes in the German region are increasing. Two vehicles were recently stolen in Middle Franconia, and the police warn the owners of a possible resurrection of the criminal activities that had already been noticed in spring. The thieves seem to follow a proven "business model" by stealing the valuable vehicles and immediately bringing them to the east.

The recent incidents occurred between Tuesday evening, October 1, 2024, and Saturday afternoon, October 5, 2024, in Nuremberg-Schniegling. Here the unknowns stole a motorhome from the manufacturer Hymer worth around 50,000 euros, which was parked in Bielefelder Straße. Another theft concerned a Pössl residential mobile, the value of which was around 36,000 euros and which was last seen on Friday evening around 6:00 p.m. Investigators assume that at least two people must have been involved in the thefts, as it is impossible to steal two vehicles at the same time.

The investigation by the police

The criminal police now have their hands full to collect clues. The Nuremberg Criminal Police Commissioner has taken over the investigation and asks witnesses who have noticed something suspicious to report on 0911 2112 - 3333. The police trust the help of the population to track down the suspect.

The situation is strongly reminiscent of the incidents in spring when two motorhomes were also stolen in Neu-Ulm. These were stolen during Easter - at night and directly in front of the houses of their owners. Here, too, the theft caused considerable financial damage.

Statistics are alarming: around 1,000 motorhomes are stolen every year in Germany, which leads to a total damage of around 40 million euros. The police reconnaissance rate is almost zero. Critics complain that the police often do not act quickly enough to grasp perpetrators because legal and bureaucratic hurdles cost time. Thieves that steal in Middle Franconia can be in Eastern Europe in just a few hours, where the vehicles are often modified and illegally sold.

An example of the small security situation so far is an incident in which the police near Dresden secured a stolen motorhome and arrested a suspect. In this case, too, the vehicle was willfully manipulated. However, such sporadic success raises the question of how many thefts remain undetected and whether the police are doing enough to hold the perpetrators into account.

In addition, the industry is discussed in the industry that both insurance companies and manufacturers of motorhomes should play a proactive role. Insurance companies could recommend preventive measures to minimize theft, while the manufacturers should ensure that basic safety precautions are integrated into new vehicles.

prevention and security measures

Between security and theft there are some simple measures that motorhome owners can take to better protect their vehicles. These include:

• removes that can be easily installed and make the vehicle unusable.
• Tracker systems that make it possible to locate the vehicle via smartphone when it is stolen.
• start interrupts that are installed between the ignition system and the petrol pump.
• Visual fuses such as stickers that could deter potential thieves.
• additional door and trunk locks that are often not taken into account.

In addition, owners could consider installing technological aids such as special alarm systems with sensors. The combination of these measures can help to significantly reduce the risk of theft.

The situation is alarming and must be taken seriously. The motorhome owners are encouraged to be vigilant and to protect their vehicles in the best possible way. It is to be hoped that the police will be going to be more effective in the future against this form of theft.

For more information and details on the latest incidents, you will find complete reports on www.ulm-news.de .