Pocket Picking Thefts Decreasing - But Con Artists Are More Active

Pocket Picking Thefts Decreasing - But Con Artists Are More Active - Pocket Picking Thefts Decreasing - But Con Artists Are More Active

Pickpocketing in Baden-Württemberg has fallen sharply since 2015, with cases dropping by 44.4% in 2024. Despite this decline, the crime still cost victims over €2.2 million last year, with wallets and mobile phones being the most common targets. Police data also shows that the majority of suspects come from outside Germany, particularly from the Maghreb region and Eastern Europe.

In 2024, Baden-Württemberg recorded 6,202 pickpocketing incidents, a significant decrease from its peak in 2015. However, less than half of all attempted or completed thefts were actually reported to the police. Of the 502 suspects identified, 423 were non-German nationals, with offenders from North African countries and organised groups from Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia being the most frequently arrested.

Financial losses remained high, exceeding €2.2 million for the year. Wallets were stolen in roughly half of all cases, while mobile phones were taken in about one in five incidents. Authorities attribute the long-term decline in thefts to expanded video surveillance and an increased presence of security personnel in high-risk areas. Scam thefts, which had halved over the past decade, initially dropped by 8.9% to 1,005 cases in 2024. Yet early figures for 2025 suggest a slight rise in such crimes. To combat the issue, the Police Crime Prevention Program continues to advise residents on protective measures, such as using secure inner pockets and staying vigilant in crowded places.

The decline in pickpocketing over the past decade reflects stronger security measures and public awareness efforts. However, the persistence of organised criminal groups and the financial toll on victims highlight ongoing challenges. Police continue to monitor trends closely as scam thefts show early signs of rebounding in 2025.