crime
Police warn of new burglary mesh – health risk possible
Even the key doesn’t help anymore: burglars now often work with nitric acid.
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A burglary is unpleasant for the victims anyway, often the memory of the traumatic experience remains in addition to the material damage. According to the police, a new burglary scam is causing further serious health problems.
When it comes to a burglary, many people still think of broken windows or pried open patio doors. A new scam that is becoming increasingly popular among burglars is significantly quieter – but it is also a health hazard for residents. Now even police authorities are warning.
With their new trick, burglars have increasingly used concentrated nitric acid in recent weeks. This acid can corrode metal. If you apply the acid specifically to the door lock, the door will be open a little later. Practical for burglars: This procedure makes hardly any noise, so neighbors will probably not notice the crime.
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Burglars use nitric acid
The statistics from Berlin show how common the scam has become: Since mid-December alone, the police there have been investigating at least 31 cases in which nitric acid was probably used. In the meantime, according to NDR, the first attempts have also been made in Hamburg. It was just an experiment there, but the acid can still be dangerous for the residents of the apartments. Nitric acid is considered to be highly corrosive and irritating to the respiratory tract. According to the police, those affected may experience respiratory or eye irritation, coughing or watery eyes.
Anyone who finds unknown, transparent to yellow, green or brown liquids on their door should therefore inform the police immediately. Under no circumstances should you clean the damaged areas yourself, because even gloves often do not offer sufficient protection against the dangerous liquid. According to the LKA Lower Saxony, anyone who has come into contact with the acid should immediately alert the rescue service.
Sources: dpa NDRpolice