40+ Burglaries, Thefts Reported in Luxembourg in September

Luxembourg is currently grappling with a surge in burglaries, with over 40 reported incidents occurring across the country since early September 2023.

Around 40 break-ins were reported in residential buildings in various areas of Luxembourg, notably in Luxembourg City (especially in Luxembourg-Hollerich and Luxembourg-Verlorenkost, but also in various zones nationwide with slightly higher numbers of reports in central Luxembourg, southern and south-western Luxembourg. Incidents were also reported in northern Luxembourg (Ettelbruck, Colmar-Berg) and in other areas. Most reported burglaries and thefts (of bicycles, jewellery and other valuables) occurred following break-ins through cellars. Other police accounts mentioned thieves forcibly entering buildings by breaking windows, or even prying open front doors.

Furthermore, scams were reported, such as the incident of a young man who was apprehended in Dudelange as he went door-to-door under the pretext of collecting donations for a charitable organisation. Multiple burglary attempts were also reported.

The Grand Ducal Police website recommends that residents always keep their doors and windows (including those in garages and cellars) closed and locked when absent. Bicycles should be secured separately. They recommend activated alarm systems even during short absences and well-lit homes at the end of the day. Particular vigilance is due at this time, as the risk of break-ins may rise with the arrival of the darker autumn months, which can provide thieves with increased opportunities.

A petrol station in Rollingen, two bars in Luxembourg City and several commercial premises also reported burglary incidents. Police are actively pursuing investigations in these cases.

Additionally, several construction sites became the target of criminal activities in recent weeks, with materials and machines being stolen from several locations including Bridel, Gasperich, Colmar-Berg, Kehlen and Eischen.

Furthermore, around ten vehicle break-ins have been reported in various areas across the country. Thieves broke into cars parked on different streets, particularly in central Luxembourg and in the capital (notably Luxembourg-Gare). Stolen items included cigarettes, backpacks, headphones and other valuables.

Police have advised citizens to park in a closed garage if possible or choose a well-lit, secure spot in busier (not isolated) areas. Avoiding hiding spare keys inside the car, locking it even briefly when leaving it unattended, and activating the alarm are other recommended measures against vehicle break-ins. The police stressed that one should never leave valuables in plain sight; storing them in the boot is recommended if one needs to keep them in the car.

For "Keyless-Go" systems, one should park securely, activate the alarm and keep the key away from the home's entrance. Thieves may use suspicious signal interception devices near a car driver’s door lock. A shielded key safe to block signal interception is another potentially useful tip.

The police encouraged residents to exercise caution during this period of heightened criminal activity. Authorities have launched investigations into these incidents and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities; in case of emergency, call 113.