Jena, June 6, 2026 – There is currently a noticeable accumulation of license plate thefts in the Jena city area. The police warn vehicle owners and ask for increased vigilance, particularly in the districts of Winzerla and Lobeda.
- Incident: Serial theft of rear license plates
- Locations: Jena-Winzerla and Jena-Lobeda
- Timeframe: Current, focus on June 5, 2026 (7 reported cases in one day)
- Suspicion: Targeted theft of TÜV stickers
- Police Contact: Phone 03641 81-1503 or email Pressestelle.LPI.Jena@polizei.thueringen.de
Focus on Winzerla and Lobeda
According to the Landespolizeiinspektion Jena, officers recorded a sharp increase in offenses yesterday, Friday, alone. A total of seven reports were filed after unknown perpetrators removed the rear license plates from properly parked vehicles. Investigators carried out extensive forensic evidence collection on site and have launched an investigation.
Focus on TÜV stickers suspected
Based on the current state of the investigation, investigators assume that the perpetrators were not primarily targeting the license plate itself, but specifically the TÜV stickers attached to them. Since only the rear license plates were stolen – which carry the main inspection (HU) sticker –, this suspicion is reinforced. However, the exact background and connections of the crimes are still the subject of ongoing police investigations.
The police are asking the public for assistance. Anyone who has observed suspicious persons or unusual activities in the vicinity of parked vehicles is asked to contact the Inspektionsdienst Jena immediately.
🛡️ Guide: What to do in case of license plate theft?
If your own license plate has been stolen, those affected must act quickly. Driving without a license plate is a criminal offense and can result in a fine. The following steps are now important:
1. File a report: Report the theft to the police immediately. You will receive a confirmation of the report (theft report). This is mandatory to identify yourself during a potential police check on the direct way to the Zulassungsstelle and to prevent misuse (e.g., in the case of fuel fraud by the perpetrators).
2. Inform insurance: Inform your motor vehicle insurance company of the theft immediately so that you are legally protected in the event of any damage or offenses committed with your old license plates.
3. Apply for new license plates: Visit the Zulassungsstelle. For this, you will need your ID card, the registration certificate Part I and II (Fahrzeugschein and -brief), the report of the last main inspection (TÜV), the police theft report, and the front license plate if it is still present. The stolen license plate will be blocked for ten years, and you will receive a new combination of letters and numbers.
Source:
Accumulation of offenses: Theft of license plates in the Jena city area
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.