In Germany, the issue of vandalism and break-ins into commercial and residential properties is becoming an increasing issue. For this reason, on September 16, 2025, WIŚNIOWSKI hosted an international press conference dedicated to modern building protection solutions. The keynote speaker was Andreas Schmidt from ift Rosenheim, who presented the latest data, standards, and directions in the field of security.
According to the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, in 2024, national crime statistics recorded the third consecutive annual increase in residential burglaries. A total of 78,436 cases were reported, including attempted break-ins (compared to 77,819 the previous year), representing a 0.8% rise. Notably, police data shows that 29,373 cases (37%) occurred during the day, and as many as 107,861 cases involved thefts from basements, attics, and laundry rooms. The highest burglary rates were reported in Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg, also influenced by migration dynamics.
The data presented during the conference showed that the actual threat still differs from public perception. While some regions report fewer “classic” burglaries, criminals are increasingly acting faster, more aggressively, and targeting structural weak points of buildings – such as garage doors or drive systems lacking proper locks.
Modern safety standards
A key part of the presentation was the discussion of current European standards (EN 1627:2021 ff.) and the German DIN/TS 18194 (2020), which for the first time classified garage doors as a separate category requiring burglary resistance testing.
Tests include:
- Static load tests – e.g., resistance to prying and pressure,
- Dynamic load tests – simulating attacks with heavy objects,
- Manual attacks – using tools such as crowbars or screwdrivers.
Expert insights from ift Rosenheim
Beyond classic burglary, vandalism is becoming a growing issue. As Schmidt noted, its nature differs significantly from burglary. While burglars typically act quietly, quickly, and in secrecy, vandals often strike impulsively, sometimes under the influence of alcohol or emotions, and with little concern about being recorded or caught.
The aim of vandals is not only destruction (e.g., bus shelters, vehicles, or facades) but also forcing access to buildings for further damage or looting. Therefore, as emphasized during the conference, garage doors resistant to large-scale, brutal attacks must be a standard part of modern manufacturing. Tests include, for example, dropping 50-kg steel cylinders simulating manhole covers or heavy stones.
Andreas Schmidt emphasised that today’s security approach must combine traditional burglary resistance with protection against vandalism. He pointed out that the threats are no longer limited to a lone burglar with a crowbar, but also include organized groups acting violently and without fear of consequences.
It was also highlighted that design and certification of such systems should focus on protecting not only property but above all human safety. Even the German police recommend checking whether doors, windows, or garage doors are certified against burglary – for example, in the E-Einbruch database.
www.wisniowski.de
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