An audacious theft has shaken a Berlin Christmas market, perpetrated not by a cunning criminal mastermind, but by an elderly man using a walking frame. The seemingly harmless pensioner systematically pilfered from the festive venue, leaving organizers reeling from the unexpected damage and loss.
The scale of the operation is astonishing. Beyond simple shoplifting, the intruder made off with a trove of items, including master keys, valuable electronic devices, and – in a particularly brazen move – an entire mulled wine tap system, essential for serving the beloved German holiday drink, Glühwein.
Event manager Daniel Schwabe estimates the total cost of the damage and stolen goods to be between 70,000 and 80,000 euros. The thief didn’t limit himself to stealing; a back office was ransacked, windows were smashed, and a crucial cooling unit was deliberately damaged.
The incident has left stallholders deeply unnerved. Many are now choosing to sleep on the premises, guarding their livelihoods against a potential repeat offense. “We all hope he doesn’t come back,” confessed Bastian Pirschel, owner of a nearby grill stand, voicing the collective anxiety.
Police reports have been filed, and the venue has swiftly implemented new security measures, including a comprehensive alarm system and a complete lock replacement. The Christmas market, however, remains open, thanks to quick replacements of the stolen equipment.
Schwabe expressed his dismay, revealing months of meticulous planning had culminated in this unexpected crisis. Despite the setback, he emphasized the market’s resilience, stating, “Luckily, operations are not affected. We had replacements, and the Christmas market can continue.”
The brazenness of the theft, carried out by someone seemingly incapable of causing significant harm, has left a lasting impression, transforming a joyful holiday setting into a scene of disbelief and heightened security.
