Robbery on a jeweler in Cologne: Employees successfully fend off perpetrators!

Robbery on a jeweler in Cologne: Employees successfully fend off perpetrators!

On October 1, 2025, the calm in Cologne-Mülheim was short-lived. At around 1:30 p.m., a 23-year-old masked man tried to rob a jewelry store on Keupstrasse. With pepper spray on his arm, the attacker wanted to put his plan into action and steal jewelry from the display. But the store's employees were quickly there. They bravely confronted the perpetrator and overpowered him with their combined strength. Meanwhile, they called the emergency number, which ultimately alerted the police, who quickly ended the quick robbery on Keupstrasse and arrested the man in the store. Evidence suggests that the perpetrator was under the influence of drugs, which is why a blood test was ordered. Legal action is planned and he will be brought before a judge on the same day.

The incident highlights crime in Germany's cities. According to a current analysis of crime in Germany, the development is complex. In 2024, there was a 1.7% decrease in crimes in general. The main reason for this development was the partial legalization of cannabis, which eliminated many previously recorded cannabis offenses from the statistics. Nevertheless, the increase in other crimes that affect people's sense of security is causing unrest. The likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime is significantly higher in city states like Berlin or Bremen.

The background of the perpetrator

The course of the attack is followed by the interesting but also criminal vita of the 52-year-old defendant, who originally comes from Estonia. He came to Germany in 1997, but when his visa expired, he threw away his ID and went down the wrong path. According to his defense attorney, the man had little or no professional activity. Several crimes resulted in prison sentences. To avoid deportation, he even gave himself a Russian identity while in custody. As soon as he was released, he planned his next big heist.

The case shows parallels to the man's previous crimes, who robbed the same jewelry store in Cologne-Weidenpesch three times between 2007 and 2011. Armed with a pistol, he shot specifically at the display cases and stole valuable watches. In the third attack, a woman was seriously injured when she tried to stop him.

Impact on society

And what do these incidents mean for society? There are repeated reports of attacks and violence in cities, which affects citizens' sense of security. Police crime statistics show that the most common crimes are theft and property crimes, followed by brutality crimes. Especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, where Cologne is also located, the crime figures are higher than in other federal states. There is some information, but the number of unreported cases remains high.

When local businesses are robbed, the effects quickly have an impact. Although police work remains effective and the clearance rate is 58%, an uneasy feeling remains among citizens. Recent events show how important it is for the community to stick together and remain vigilant.