At the Kersdorfer See motorway service station near Briesen in Brandenburg, trucks parked in the darkness become prime targets for criminals who take advantage of the night to commit thefts. Experts estimate that goods worth an astonishing 1.3 billion euros are stolen every year in Germany through these methods. Police Chief Frank Huth, who works in this area, describes the typical tactics used by these thieves.
One common technique involves making a semicircular cut in the tarpaulin of parked trucks, which Huth refers to as a "typical sickle cut." This allows the criminals to peek inside the cargo without immediately damaging it, giving them time to decide if the contents are worth stealing. By doing so, they can avoid unnecessary risks and only target valuable items.
Stealing in the dark
The motorway police have noticed a significant rise in cargo thefts along Autobahn 12. Police Chief Inspector Silvio Grabow details the variety of stolen items, which range from Haribo products to sports shoes, bicycles, and even television sets. He also mentions fuel theft, with amounts such as 1,000 liters of diesel or even 500 liters taken from truck tanks. These thefts accumulate into enormous financial losses for haulage companies and the broader transport industry.
Business associations report that approximately 26,000 truckloads are stolen across Germany each year. The General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) explains that this means a new theft case occurs roughly every 20 minutes. The damage to the goods alone is estimated at 1.3 billion euros annually. Additionally, there are 900 million euros in consequential damages due to factors like lost sales, contractual penalties, and production losses.
Truckers and thieves
Truck drivers are all too aware of the risks they face on the road. Robert, a Polish driver who transports goods from Posen to Dortmund, expresses concern about the lack of lighting at night at motorway stops. He has heard from his colleagues about their experiences with fuel theft when their trucks are parked. To reduce the risk, the police recommend that drivers lock their cabs while they rest.
In June, an incident occurred where a man approached a Ukrainian driver in a parking lot around 2:15 a.m. pretending to alert him about vehicle damage. While the driver was distracted, a second perpetrator stole a handbag containing cash and documents. Huth explains how these crimes are carefully planned: "They spy beforehand to see if there's a bag or wallet. Usually with another vehicle."
From tarpaulins to digital fraud
The issue is evolving into a more complex and digital landscape. Eberhard Tief from the Berlin-Brandenburg haulage association says that organized crime is increasingly involved in these thefts. A new form of crime, known as "phantom carriers," is emerging, where criminals steal freight identities and divert cargo before delivering it to the intended recipient. Instead, the stolen goods are sold quickly since these perpetrators often lack storage facilities.
These criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their methods. Tief highlights the need for better lighting at rest stops to deter potential thieves. Despite ongoing police patrols along Autobahn 12, only about a third of the 55 tarpaulin slashing cases recorded in Brandenburg last year were solved. He states, "Every case is one too many," emphasizing the urgency of finding effective solutions to this growing problem.