Man only wants to give out a cell phone for money

A twelve-year-old girl got her device back undamaged through careful behavior and the support of her parents and the police.

According to the authorities, the whole thing happened like this: On December 21, after a visit to a shopping market on Corbiestraße in Höxter, around 6 p.m., the twelve-year-old noticed that her smartphone was no longer in her pocket. It was not clear whether she had lost it or was the victim of theft. A friend called the number of the missing cell phone. At the other end, an unknown female voice answered. She asked for the return of the smartphone 50 euros. The handover should take place the following day in Brakel. The girl informed the parents. They tried several more times to call the number of the missing cell phone, but couldn’t reach anyone.

Report to the police

They then called the police and filed a complaint. On the following day, another attempt to call the parents on the cell phone was successful. This time an unknown male voice answered. The man confirmed the handover of the device in exchange for a cash payment. A meeting point was agreed in the afternoon in Brakel. The parents informed the police, who were on site at the appropriate time with a civil strife.

Civil strife at the place where the supposed money was handed over

When a man appeared at the meeting point, the identity check revealed that he actually had the cell phone he was looking for with him. It was secured and handed over to the rightful owner. There are now reports against the 36-year-old man – including for embezzlement.

Tip from the police: make a note of the IMEI number

In this context, the police advise you to take photos of personal valuables, for example high-quality smartphones, in good time and to note down the so-called IMEI number. This 15-digit serial number can be called up at any time by entering the key combination * # 06 #. In the event of theft, this facilitates the search for property and subsequent proof of ownership.