Drugs, theft and alcohol: Cottbus police on duty!

Drugs, theft and alcohol: Cottbus police on duty!

Things got hot this morning in Cottbus-Sachsendorf: The police carried out a routine check and came across two men who didn't cover themselves in glory. A 37-year-old man had a stolen Cube bicycle with him. But that wasn't all - the police also found tablets and a crystalline substance on him, which were immediately confiscated. His companion, a 56-year-old, had a one-handed knife ready. Both men were threatened with criminal proceedings and officials took the necessary steps to resolve the legal consequences. It is to be hoped that such incidents do not become an everyday occurrence, as the number of bicycle thefts is constantly increasing.

Did you know that over 100,000 bicycles are stolen every year in Germany? This shocking figure comes from the ADAC website, which emphasizes the importance of reporting thefts to the police within 48 hours. If you want to protect your beloved bike, you should think about taking out special bicycle insurance before buying an expensive device, as this often offers better protection in the event of theft than normal household contents insurance.

Bicycle theft in Germany: A worrying development

A look back at current developments shows that the theft of high-quality bicycles or e-bikes is still a hot topic. In 2024 alone, 135,000 insured bicycle thefts were registered, a decrease of 10,000 compared to the previous year, but still a financial loss of 160 million euros - the highest level in 20 years. The average loss per theft is 1,190 euros, which leaves a painful gap in the household budget for many bike owners.

To protect themselves, cyclists should consider taking out bicycle or special e-bike insurance. Such insurance usually covers more risks than a traditional household contents policy. In the event of theft, compensation can often be higher than with household contents insurance. Cyclists have the choice of being reimbursed at replacement value or current value, where replacement value covers the cost of an equivalent new bike, while current value takes into account the presumed value at the time of theft.

The unpleasant side effect: drugs and alcohol in traffic

Aside from the bicycle thefts, there were also other dangerous situations in Cottbus. A cyclist who was very drunk was stopped in Sandow; a breath alcohol test showed around two per thousand. How can it be that cyclists, who are often seen as role models in traffic, behave so carelessly? The police ordered a blood test and prohibited further travel. Such incidents highlight the need to be careful in traffic and not to ignore one's own limits.

There have also been a number of traffic accidents in the region in recent days. There was a collision between two cyclists between Gulben and Zahsow, in which a 54-year-old had to be taken to hospital injured. Damage to the bicycles of around 200 euros is one thing, but the health of the cyclists should always be the priority. The police appeal to all road users to act responsibly, whether on foot, by bike or in a car.

The situation surrounding bicycle thefts and road safety remains tense. Every cyclist should be well informed and take precautions to protect their beloved two-wheeler. Whether it’s high-quality locks or insurance – a good knack for security often pays off. And should the inevitable occur, quick decisions and orientation to the given regulations are important in order to keep the loss as low as possible.

Sources: Niederlausitz Current, ADAC, GDV.