Research report on behalf of transient burglars

From April 2016 to May 2017, the KFN carried out a research project on the phenomenon of transient burglar offenders. Within the scope of the research, 30 interviews were conducted with imprisoned intruders who came to Germany shortly to commit burglaries (so-called traveling offenders) and those who after a short time had committed burglaries after their immigration to Germany. The interviewees are convicted adult perpetrators who serve several years of imprisonment. The interviews were conducted all over Germany in prisons.

Research shows that burglars from abroad are not just working in tightly organized gangs. In addition to the general public, there is a wide range of loose acquaintances, from which, depending on the occasion, burglaries are committed in varying constellations. “Structures in Germany are also relevant in this respect, since offenders from abroad often find their way quickly to a (small) criminal milieu,” says Gina Rosa Wollinger, project manager of the study. Likewise, there are often opportunities within Germany to stop theft. A fast “prey utilization” reduces the risk of discovery for the perpetrators. “A low risk of discovery is as important to foreign perpetrators as to German perpetrators. For this reason, the perpetrators use badly secured doors and windows, which are easy to pry open or the tilted window is completely classic “, explains Gina Rosa Wollinger. The findings in terms of effective preventive measures thus coincide with the police recommendation practice: conceal additional door and window security as well as their own absence and close windows when leaving the apartment, deter offenders.

Download press announcement transient burglars (PDF)

Download KFN research report 133 (PDF) (german)

Project page transient burglars