Wesel Police Launch 'Eyes Open, Bag Closed' Campaign to Combat Pickpocketing
Wesel Police are set to launch a campaign, 'Eyes open, bag closed', in three towns across the district to combat a rise in pickpocketing. The action will take place in Dinslaken on October 6, Wesel on October 8, and Moers-Repelen on October 10, 2025.
The initiative aims to educate the public about the increase in pickpocketing during the 'dark season', when people tend to wear thick jackets and carry bags over their shoulders, providing easier targets for thieves.
Police advise residents to wear bags with the closure facing their body, keep bags closed in crowded areas, and distribute valuables in body bags to deter pickpockets. These criminals often target busy places like markets, buses, and trains, where they can easily snatch items from open bags.
In the event of a pickpocketing incident, victims are urged to immediately block lost payment cards by calling 116 116 and report the incident to the police. The head of the police directorate in Wesel, Landrat Ingo Brohl, who also serves as the chief of the district police authority Wesel, and department head Ulrich Kühn, lead the efforts to tackle this issue.
The 'Eyes open, bag closed' action is a proactive measure by Wesel Police to raise awareness about pickpocketing and provide citizens with practical tips to protect their belongings. By following these guidelines, residents can help reduce the number of pickpocketing incidents and keep their communities safe.