Gütersloh (MK) - From today, Gütersloh police are launching a poster campaign together with 30 retail businesses in Gütersloh city center in the fight against pickpockets.

Pickpockets are always up to mischief in city center stores. Almost every day, the victims file reports with the police and have to go to a lot of trouble to reapply for the stolen IDs and documents. Not to mention the financial loss suffered by those affected.

The pickpockets, on the other hand, enjoy their prey. Unnecessary bycatch that is also found in the purses is then simply disposed of in the nearest garbage can.

The perpetrators mainly use gatherings of people and confined spaces where physical contact or minor jostling is not noticeable. They don't just reach into pockets. Shopping baskets, baby carriages or rucksacks are also very welcome. Even before the actual theft, the perpetrators observe their potential victims very closely and try to find out whether it is worth "reaching into other people's pockets" - and, of course, which pocket to reach into.

The Gütersloh police therefore advise:

Be vigilant! If possible, you should not carry large amounts of cash with you. Keep your wallet, credit cards and personal documents in closed inside pockets of jackets, coats or bags, NOT in trouser pockets or outside pockets. Do not put your wallet in open shopping baskets or hang your bags on baby carriages. Also keep some small change in your jacket or trouser pocket. This way, you can donate, pay or change small amounts without having to take out your wallet.

If you are still robbed, have your EC or credit cards blocked immediately by calling the free telephone number 116 116 (24 hours a day)!

If you make any suspicious observations or witness a theft, call the police on 110!

Photo from left to right: Polizeikommissarin Hanna Fortmann, Kriminalhauptkommissar Marco Hein, Polizeihauptkommissar Marc Bätge, Polizeioberkommissarin Katja Grünke