Is there a direct link between major events such as the European Championships and World Cup and an increase in burglaries? The insurer Wiener Städtische has investigated this question. The results are astonishing.
When our national team meets France, Poland and the Netherlands in the European Championship group stage on June 17, 21 and 25, there will be countless – hopefully in the best football weather – dozens of public viewings in public places and in taverns and bars. . Burglars will also conclude that many people can no longer keep an eye on the home.
The pandemic caused a slight drop in numbers
Abandoned houses and apartment buildings magically attract burglars during European and World Cup matches, as Wiener Städtische has now discovered in its own research. We looked back at the European Championships in Portugal in 2004. And lo and behold: on match days, reports of burglaries to the insurer increased by an average of ten percent. In some cases significantly more – if you take part in the European Championships in 2021 and the World Cup before Christmas in Qatar in 2022. In both cases, public viewings were not allowed or never scheduled due to the cold season.
Increase likely between June 14 and July 14
If you compare the burglaries on match days with the burglaries on which no European or World Cup matches took place, there is an increase of no less than ten percent compared to the last ten tournaments. The good news: Since the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, the number has halved again, with an average of 26 reported burglaries per match day. However, this should not be a reason to make everything clear. Wiener Städtische also expects an increase in the coming European Championship period from June 14 to July 14.
Pickpockets are present at public viewings in high season
Football fans will throng the public viewings of many European Championship matches, for example on Vienna’s Rathausplatz or Karmeliterplatz in Graz, when Europe’s best compete against each other in Germany. What you should pay particular attention to are your own belongings. As with any major event, thieves specifically target attendees’ wallets, cell phones and handbags.
Buy UEFA tickets only through official channels!
Anyone who wants to watch not only on television or on the screen, but also in the stadium, should be warned. There are currently counterfeit tickets circulating online. Because UEFA only sells digital tickets through official channels. So if anyone offers printed tickets, they are counterfeits. Tickets are also offered for sale via social media. You also have to be careful with them. These can only be communicated via the UEFA app. If you pay for and receive a ticket, you can still stand in front of the closed stadium gates.
Warning for new trick
While people are cheering outside, many apartments are empty, making it far too easy for burglars. Now there’s a warning about a new trick… more about it on Krone+.
In any case, Doris Wendler, CEO of Wiener Städtische, calls for more attention. Entrances must always be blocked and windows and patio doors locked. Burglary aids for burglars, such as ladders, tools, boxes, etc., should never be left visible outside. Otherwise, the EM euphoria could quickly turn into a real depression…
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
