Rising Livestock Thefts in Germany: Farmers Alarmed
A farmer from Raddusch in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district reported the theft of 48 head of cattle from his pasture, with damages estimated at around €75,000.
Just two weeks earlier, 74 head of livestock were stolen nearby in the Elbe-Elster district. Tire tracks were found at the crime scene.
In April, a similar incident occurred in Falkenberg, where 69 calves were taken. The perpetrators used a large truck to access the property and load the animals.
Organized Crime Suspected
The theft of agricultural animals, including sheep and geese, is becoming a serious issue in Germany, particularly in the eastern regions.
Investigators believe that many of these thefts are carried out by professionally organized gangs operating at night and concealing the animals' origins.
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Sometimes, sedatives are used to keep the animals calm during loading.
Farm Crime on the Rise
The term “farm crime” describes the increasing criminal activity in rural areas, including thefts of equipment and GPS systems.
While some regions report a decrease in such crimes, the overall level remains high. More than half of farmers in northern Germany have experienced thefts.
Farmers Taking Security Measures
Many farmers are implementing additional security measures, such as video surveillance and digital alert networks.
Police suspect that stolen livestock may be exported to Eastern Europe or outside the EU, despite controls at border crossings.
No official statistics on agricultural animal thefts are maintained in Germany, as they are legally considered “property.”
