Probe into Arson, Burglaries at Taxi Stands, Digital Romance Scams Unraveled
In the quiet town of Altena, two separate incidents have raised concerns among residents this week. On one hand, a local resident has fallen victim to an online dating scam, while on the other, a fire investigation is underway after an afternoon blaze.
On Thursday morning, an Altena resident, aged 31, was scammed by an individual met on a dating app. The scammer, who claimed to be in love and talked about marriage, eventually requested money, initially under the guise of paying an electricity bill. The police advise caution with such financial demands and remind the public not to forward packages or money while online dating, as this type of fraud is known as a "love scam" or "romance scam."
Meanwhile, on the same day, unknown individuals broke into two taxi offices early in the morning. Between 2:00 and 7:00 AM, they gained access to an office at the beginning of Lennestraße (Markaner bus station) and stole cash and papers. At the second office on Bahnhofstraße, the door and cabinet were forced open, and the intruders stole cash and a laptop. The police have secured evidence and request information at 91990, but the names of the three individuals involved have not been disclosed.
Later in the day, a fire occurred on a hill between Am Roten Berge and Bornstraße, which is currently under investigation as a suspected arson. Approximately 75 firefighters and DRK personnel were on site to extinguish the fire, which initially spread over an area estimated between 3,000 and 8,000 square meters. The police are warning about the dangers of fire due to the dry ground after warm days, as undergrowth can catch fire quickly and spread rapidly. Despite difficult access, a police helicopter with a Bambi Bucket was requested but not deployed.
The public should direct media inquiries to the Circular Police Department of Märkischer Kreis, while general inquiries can be made to the Press Office of Police Märkischer Kreis. In addition, the police are reminding the public to be vigilant when engaging in online activities, especially when it comes to financial transactions and personal meetings.
Witnesses reported smoke over the area around 16:20, and the fire department ensured water supply via long hoses, with extinguishing operations continuing until around 23:00. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
As the incidents unfold, the residents of Altena are urged to stay cautious and report any suspicious activities to the police. The police are working diligently to investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
