Bielefeld: Pickpockets try their luck in the café

Pickpockets try their luck in the café

MK / Bielefeld - Center - Two men attempted to escape with a woman's handbag in a café in the old town on Saturday, January 11, 2025. At the same time, another visitor may have been a victim of theft, which is not yet known to the police. While a 43-year-old woman from Bad Salzuflen and her companion were chatting in a café on Obernstraße around 10:50 am, two men sat down behind them.

The woman only noticed the two strangers because they suddenly stood up and her handbag was no longer next to her. The 43-year-old ran after the two. Her calls had an effect, as the thieves dropped her handbag and disappeared down Obernstraße towards Alter Markt.

The police have indications that the two suspects may also have reached into an older man's jacket pocket in the café. Whether they stole anything is not known, as the man had already left before the arrival of the summoned police officers.

Witnesses described the two suspects:

One man is said to be about 175 cm tall and about 40 years old. He had black hair and a full beard.

The other man was dressed entirely in dark clothing.

One of the two was wearing a cap. One man had a tattoo on his neck. Both individuals are said to have a southern appearance.

The police warn of this method of pickpocketing, which could occur in any catering establishment where people seek distraction and want to spend a relaxed time.

In these moments, you should always become suspicious and attentive when strangers suddenly contact you uninvited or violate the usual physical distance by approaching.

Keep your valuables in your field of vision and reach, as close to your body as possible and in locked bags. If it doesn't seem uncomfortable to you, continue to wear your handbag slung over.

Witnesses and especially the named older gentleman who was in the café on Saturday morning are asked to contact the police:

Bielefeld Police Headquarters / Criminal Investigation Department 13 / 0521/545-0

Journalists' inquiries please contact:

Bielefeld Police Headquarters
Management Staff/ Press and Public Relations
Kurt-Schumacher-Straße 46
33615 Bielefeld

Sonja Rehmert (SR), Tel. 0521/545-3020
Katja Küster (KK), Tel. 0521/545-3195
Sarah Siedschlag (SI), Tel. 0521/545-3021
Michael Kötter (MK), Tel. 0521/545-3022
Hella Christoph (HC), Tel. 0521/545-3023
Fabian Rickel (FR), Tel. 0521/545-3024
Caroline Steffen (CS), Tel. 0521/545-3026
Lukas Reker (LR), Tel. 0521/545-3222
Jan Grote (JG), Tel. 0521/545-3235

Email: pressestelle.bielefeld@polizei.nrw.de
https://bielefeld.polizei.nrw/

Outside office hours: Control center, Tel. 0521/545-0