Highly Professional
As the Schueberfouer kicks off, police are warning residents and visitors to be on their guard against pickpockets, especially on public transport. Tim Pauly from the national crime prevention service (SNPC) explained that thefts on trams and other public transport typically surge during major gatherings and events, as crowds and distractions make it easier for thieves to operate. He advises people to keep wallets and phones in inner pockets and to wear handbags at the front rather than on their backs, as theft can happen in a matter of seconds in a crowd.
Two women who fell victim to pickpockets during the Oktav festival in spring told RTL how quickly they were targeted. At around 4pm at the Hamilius tram stop, the thieves used a classic distraction manoeuvre amid the jostling crowd, ultimately making off with EUR30 in cash. Neither their bank cards nor mobile phones interested the perpetrators.
Police and Luxtram have established close daily cooperation. Helge Dorstewitz, CEO of Luxtram, told RTL that in addition to police patrols, a private security service is present on the trams throughout operating hours, helping to deter criminal activity.
Thieves' methods are often so refined that victims fail to realise they are being robbed until it is too late. Tim Pauly confirmed that both opportunistic and more organised groups are active, taking advantage of the fact that people are often distracted by the festivities, keeping an eye on their children, or chatting to friends. He warned that some pickpocketing gangs are highly trained and very effective, emphasising that if people do not keep a close eye on their valuables, they can disappear very quickly.
The Schueberfouer brings the crowds. The crowds bring the pickpockets. The pickpockets are, in the words of the national crime prevention service, "highly professional". They work in teams, they use distraction, and they take cash but leave phones and cards, which are traceable. The police and Luxtram are coordinating, but the advice is the same as it has always been: inner pockets, bags at the front, and keep your head up.