Hidden investigators against burglars and robbers

It is just a slight decline, but a real one: In 2024, 1,539 times were broken into inhabited houses in Luxembourg – that was 3.75 percent less than in the previous year. There is also a decline in burglaries in uninhabited buildings: 496 cases, a minus of 5.34 percent. The number of failed burglary attempts is also slightly declining. There were 1,457 in residential buildings (-2.61 percent) and 363 in functional buildings (-7.63 percent).

Nevertheless, the level remains high: a total of 3,817 cases of burglary were registered – that is more than ten a day.

Covered presence, visible effect

However, the police are satisfied when presenting the annual balance sheet. « Our current contingent against burglary crime may not receive the citizens directly – but it works, » emphasizes Kristin Schmit, central director of the criminal police. The main thing is the criminal police acting in civilian police.

The numbers underpin this: In 2024, around 40 civil servants were traveling in proactive patrols every day in the responsible unit of the Service de Police Judiciaire (SPJ). They came to around 5,500 hours of patrol. And their use shows effect – not only for burglaries, but also in other crime areas such as robberies.

« When I am in use outside, I see more. And I can clarify at the moment – or even prevent something, » says Schmit. In 2024, a total of 105 suspects were arrested after break -ins, another 47 in connection with predatory offenses.

The perpetrators: International – or Mittellos

« A large part of the perpetrators dates from abroad, » says the annual report. Especially from the Balkans, from Southwest European countries and the large region. The local perpetrators often come from the milieu of homeless or drug addicts – their burglaries usually serve to procure drugs or simple survival.

The police are also increasingly worried by North African young people who are often illegally in Luxembourg. These very young perpetrators should be responsible for a strikingly high number of burglaries and thefts. « Many manage to avoid criminal consequences by specifying false identities – mostly as a minor.

In order to meet these developments, the « Répression du Grand Banditisme » department relates to an offensive strategy: real -time analyzes, targeted presence on the street and quick, consistent interventions should prevent perpetrators from being able to strike again.

Safety of evidence as a secret weapon

This pays off: numerous arrests are made in the act. But that’s just one side. A large part of the arrests is based on European arrest warrants. « That means we find out who it was afterwards, » explains Schmit.

The area of ​​evidence is currently experiencing a real boom: not only are there any more traces – their quality is also increasing. This allows the police to identify more suspects and connect with concrete crimes. « Every year we get more people who have committed burglaries with us in previous years, » says Schmit.

This strategy also has an impact on robberies: Last year, 47 suspects were arrested in this area alone, including several so -called intensive offenders.

Significant decline in robbery by force

The police recorded a decline of 11.12 percent in 2024 for predatory crimes with violence. « This is gratifying, » comments Schmit. However, the total number remains high: 559 cases were recorded, including both attempted and completed deeds.

Here, too, the police relies on a combination of uniformed presence and civilian investigators. A look at the balance sheet illustrates the effort: as part of general crime prevention, more than 36,000 checks were carried out last year.