Cologne police break up large gang of thieves: eight arrests today!

Cologne police break up large gang of thieves: eight arrests today!

In the early hours of today, May 26, 2025, the Cologne police, supported by the riot police, carried out extensive searches in several parts of the city. The background to these measures is an investigation into serious gang theft, in which a total of eight people between the ages of 21 and 49 are considered urgent suspects. This extensive campaign took place on Berliner Straße in Höhenhaus, the An der Fuhr high-rise housing estate in Meschenich and in an initial reception center on Mathias-Brüggen-Straße in Ossendorf. In particular, three wanted men aged 29, 48 and 49 who were wanted on an arrest warrant were arrested in the initial reception center. A 17-year-old, who was also wanted for property crimes, was also found in one of the apartments.

The police searches became necessary because there was evidence of a possible live firearm, which made it necessary to involve a special unit. This was particularly underlined by the seriousness of the investigation. The suspects are suspected of having stolen several mobile homes in Cologne and Bergheim since October 2024 and of having committed at least 24 pickpocketing and shoplifting cases. The suspects come from a large family environment, which further complicates the investigations by Criminal Investigation Department 73 and the Cologne public prosecutor's office.

Obtaining arrest warrants

During the searches, the police were not only able to arrest the people they were looking for, but also secure valuable evidence. These included gold jewelry, a Rolex watch, vehicle registration documents and cell phones. A total of eight arrest warrants issued by an investigating judge were executed as part of this operation. The investigation is still ongoing as the dimensions of the crime and the possible connections to other crimes are not yet fully understood.

The current situation shows that the Cologne police are making great efforts to combat the increase in serious gang thefts and other property crimes. According to [Statistics from the North Rhine-Westphalia Police](https://koeln.polizei.nrw/polizeiliche- criminal statistics), there has been an increase in such offenses in recent years, which underlines the need for quick and decisive action. The public is urged to be alert to any suspicious activity and to provide information if necessary.

In summary, these joint police operations play an important role in the fight against structural crime in the region. The ongoing investigations are necessary in order to better understand the background to the crimes and the networks of the perpetrators.

The exact number of offenses and their development will continue to be intensively analyzed by the law enforcement authorities in order to be able to target future prevention measures. Until then, investigators will be in close contact with the population to ensure safety in Cologne and the surrounding communities.

For more information on the measures taken and the results of the ongoing investigations, readers can read the articles from [Rheinische Anzeigeblatter](https://www.rheinische-anzeigenblaetter.de/koeln/c-blaulicht/polizei- Nimm-vier-gesuchte-bei-grosssatz-in-koeln-fest_a344580) and Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.