In recent weeks, there have been numerous cattle thefts in the south of Brandenburg, a region bordering Poland. German media report that investigators are now talking about “cow gangs” that may operate on a large, international scale.
The Minister of the Interior of Brandenburg, Dr. Jan Redmann, does not rule out that criminal groups from outside the European Union may be behind the spectacular thefts. The police analyze tire marks left at the scene and exchange information with Polish officers. The authorities announce increased inspections of animal transport, including not only typical cattle trucks, but also other vehicles that could be used to transport animals from pastures. Officers, in cooperation with veterinary offices, will check identification tags, transport documents and the legality of transport.
New control methods and international cooperation
The police do not reveal where and when the patrols will appear, explaining this for tactical reasons. However, it is known that special inspections are to be carried out at night and in the morning, when thieves most often take advantage of the silence in rural areas. A special investigation group “Weide”, i.e. “Pastwisko”, was established to deal with the case. Polish services are also to be involved in the activities, and controls at border crossings will be intensified.
The officers are also talking to farmers about securing their farms. The recommended solutions included monitoring cameras, light barriers and more frequent inspections of pastures. The police hope that these measures will prevent further thefts.
The scale of losses is growing
Despite the increasing number of patrols and new security measures, the state is not able to protect every cow. Redmann, quoted by tag24.de, emphasized that it is not possible to place a police car at every meadow in Brandenburg.
One of the largest thefts occurred on May 12 in the town of Grano in the Spree-Neisse district, near the border with Poland. The injured farmer reported the theft of 31 cattle that were transported by truck at night. The farmer admitted that it was a huge shock for him because the stolen animals were very valuable and intended for breeding.
Farmers appeal for vigilance
Farmers from Brandenburg appeal to residents to report any suspicious vehicles or people spotted near pastures, barns or access roads. According to police estimates, financial losses amount to hundreds of thousands of euros. A few days before the theft in Grano, 48 cattle worth PLN 75,000 disappeared in the town of Raddusch. euro. In April, 70 cows were stolen from a pasture in the Elbe-Elster district, and the losses were estimated at approximately PLN 50,000. euro.
