Attention, seniors! Trickdieb drives its mischief - police warn!

Attention, seniors! Trickdieb drives its mischief - police warn!

The police in Styria has initiated an investigation into a series of trick thefts that occurred between January and March 2025. A suspected perpetrator is suspected of having committed 12 completed crimes in Styria, Lower Austria and Upper Austria during this time. The man acts alone and occurs with a friendly and well -kept appearance. According to 5min.at he addresses older people and asks them to change a two euro coin.

During the conversation, the perpetrator distracts his victims and steals cash and personal documents from their money pockets. He is also accused of having used illegally obtained ATM cards to pay goods. The victim's number of unreported cases could be higher, since many may not go to the police to file a complaint.

Description of the perpetrator and police actions

The alleged thief is between 170 and 175 cm tall, about 40 to 50 years old with short dark hair. His appearance is described as well -kept and he speaks to a foreign accent. The Leoben public prosecutor has ordered the publication of photographs and videos from surveillance cameras to receive information from the population. Witnesses are asked to report on 059-133-60-3333 or 133.

prevention and protective measures for older people

The police have published memorable prevention tips to protect older people from such crimes. These recommendations include:

• no strangers let them in the apartment.
• gas, electricity and heating readers should always be announced in writing.
• use a locking chain in front of the door.
• have a manner.
• Use a door spy before opening the door.
• Vehicle help and self -help actively use.
• uninvited visitors vigorously or call for help.

In addition, the police authority offers information about various forms of crime that particularly affect older people. A comprehensive brochure with 72 pages in A5 format deals with topics such as fraud, front door shops and internet crime as well as protective measures. This brochure can be ordered free of charge from the police's advice centers police-beratung.de

The current incidents and the associated investigations illustrate the need to inform older people about the risks and prevention measures in old age. It is important that the community works together to prevent such crimes and to ensure the security of older citizens.