The police are warning about tricksters who have posed as employees of basic services in recent days and stole cash and jewelry from several apartments.
According to current knowledge, previously unknown perpetrators posed as supposed employees of the local energy supply company or municipal utility. The perpetrators managed to enter several of the victims' apartments in Freiburg, Emmendingen, Müllheim, Lörrach and Weil am Rhein, the police said.
Under the pretext of having to carry out necessary checks on the water pipes, the injured parties were distracted. Meanwhile, at least one other perpetrator must have managed to steal jewelry and cash from the relevant apartments.
Theft was only noticed afterwards
The victims only noticed the theft after the perpetrators had left the apartment, according to the police report.
The value of the stolen goods is not yet fully known, but is estimated to be several thousand euros.
The police have started an investigation and are not ruling out connections to the crime.
The police give tips so you can protect yourself:
Caution and skepticism
Before opening the door, take a close look at unknown visitors through the peephole or window. Open them
Help
Defend yourself vigorously against intrusive visitors and speak up
Hedging
As a general rule, ask officials to show their official ID card
Call
The general rule is: look for a callback
