Greifswald: 18-Year-Old Arrested After Shopping Center Break-In & Car Theft
– A late-night break-in at a shopping center in Greifswald, Germany, resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old male, according to a statement released by the Neubrandenburg Police Headquarters.
The incident occurred at the Lomonossowallee shopping center, where the suspect allegedly forced entry into both the center itself and several individual stores. Police were alerted by the shopping center’s security service after an alarm was triggered. Upon arrival, officers discovered evidence of forced entry and quickly located a vehicle in the vicinity matching the description of one connected to the crime.
The vehicle, it was discovered, was a company car stolen from one of the businesses the 18-year-old had broken into. The suspect had allegedly stolen the car keys during the initial break-in and briefly drove the vehicle before being apprehended.
The arrest wasn’t without resistance. According to the police report, the suspect resisted officers attempting to detain him and had to be physically subdued. Neither the suspect nor the responding officers sustained any injuries during the encounter.
Further investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of a knife and was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. He also lacked a valid driver’s license. These additional offenses will be included in the charges against him.
The criminal police have taken over the investigation, securing evidence from the scene and obtaining a blood sample from the suspect on the orders of the public prosecutor. The investigation is ongoing, and the public prosecutor’s office is currently considering whether to seek a detention order.
The material damage caused by the break-in is estimated at approximately 2,000 euros. The total value of the stolen goods, including the vehicle, is estimated to be around 5,000 euros.
This incident comes less than a year after a break-in at the Presseshop Tews tobacco shop in the Schönwalde Center, Greifswald, which occurred on May 13, 2025. In that earlier incident, perpetrators used a manhole cover to smash the entrance door, causing approximately 2,000 euros in damage and stealing numerous tobacco products. The Greifswald Police Station had appealed for public assistance in that case, providing contact information for reporting any relevant observations.
While the two incidents appear separate, the proximity in location and the targeting of retail establishments raises questions about potential patterns of criminal activity in the Greifswald area. The Neubrandenburg Police Headquarters has not indicated whether they are investigating any connection between the two events.
The current investigation focuses on charges including theft with weapons, resisting law enforcement officers, driving under the influence, and driving without a license. The suspect’s identity has not been released by authorities.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Neubrandenburg Police Headquarters. Media inquiries can be directed to Ben Tuschy at pressestelle-pi.anklam@polizei.mv-regierung.de or by calling 03971 251-3041. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, the Neubrandenburg Police Headquarters Operations Control Center can be reached at 0395 5582 2223.