The data of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and ERGO Insurance show that more thefts from shops were registered this year than last year, writes ERR News.
In June 2023, PPA registered 497 stealing cases from stores, but last June – 315. ERGO representative Erko Makienko said that, compared to the same period last year, the number of thefts increased by 57%, and a similar trend is also observed when looking at the year as a whole.
“This year’s increase in thefts is clearly noticeable. ERGO Insurance has had to deal with several cases, which resulted in very large losses, as well as some smaller cases,” added Makienko. He told about the case when thieves broke the glass door of the store with a stone and stole two electric bicycles, the total value of which was 6,000 euros.
A larger theft took place in an electrical goods store, from which two thieves took goods worth 48,000 euros.
Even though the store was guarded and the security arrived 14 minutes after the alarm went off, the criminals had already left the scene.
ERGO Insurance confirmed that the number of thefts is increasing not only from shops. For example, this year there have already been several cases when employees of the insurance company had to deal with cases where criminals embezzled water transportation. Makienko said in those cases, it’s more likely to be custom theft when someone needs specific parts.
There has also been an increase in thefts from construction sites, with thieves opting for expensive tools. Makjenko pointed out that in these circumstances it is worth reviewing the security measures and making sure that the alarm works and covers all the necessary territory.
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