Malmö police are warning about a new type of burglary in which perpetrators first target parked cars and then break into the car owners’ homes. In recent weeks, seven similar cases have been reported, and police suspect the same method is being used by an organized group.
According to police, car break-ins occur mainly in larger parking lots near beaches and shopping areas. The main target does not seem to be the car or its valuables, but rather house keys that have been left behind in the vehicle.
Once the keys are in the thieves’ hands, they quickly find out where the car owner lives. The home burglary is then carried out while the owner is still out shopping, swimming, or running other errands.
Family returned to find home ransacked
One of the reported incidents occurred on July 1. A family had parked their car at Sibbarp to go swimming in the evening. When they returned, they discovered that a window had been smashed and, among other things, a wallet and keys had been stolen.
When the family later got home, they found the front door unlocked. Inside the house, someone had gone through the rooms and left with several valuables.
According to police, the thieves have mainly targeted items that are easy to carry, such as jewelry, electronics, and other valuables.
Even though the incidents have happened in different parts of Malmö, police see a clear pattern and believe that the burglaries follow the same method, reports Sydsvenskan.
Police urge car owners to be vigilant
In light of recent developments, police are urging car owners to never leave house keys, bags, or other valuables in the car, not even for short stops.
The police emphasize that many people still keep handbags, computers, or work bags visibly or locked in the car, which can attract break-ins.
No arrests have been made
No suspects have been arrested yet, but investigators are working on the theory that one or more people are systematically using this method.
Police describe the trend as worrying and note that victims are subjected to double crimes in a short time – first a car break-in and then a break-in at their own home.
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