Hamburg Police Launch Digital Initiative to Combat Smartphone Crime
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Hamburg, Germany – In a proactive move to address the escalating threat of digital crime, the Hamburg Police have today launched a fully digitized criminal police advice center, offering free webinars and online training to all citizens. This modernization, largely funded by the Hamburg Police Association, marks a significant shift in how the authority delivers crucial safety information, responding directly to the growing dangers posed by crimes committed via smartphones.
The need for this digital transformation became apparent as traditional methods of advice – previously requiring a personal visit to the office in Caffamacherzeile – proved increasingly insufficient in reaching a population whose lives are now deeply intertwined with technology. Now, vital knowledge regarding fraud, data theft, and burglary protection can be accessed directly from home.
The Rise of Digital Crime and the Need for Adaptation
Nationwide reports have consistently demonstrated a steep increase in cybercrime, phishing, and online fraud in recent years. The smartphone has emerged as a primary gateway for these offenses, holding a wealth of personal data – private photos, contacts, and access to online banking – that makes it a prime target for criminals.
“Smartphones are the new main target,” a senior official stated. “They have become the control center of our lives, and therefore the favorite target of criminals.”
This shift in criminal activity necessitates a corresponding evolution in preventative measures. Experts have long advocated for protection concepts to be adapted to the digital reality of life, and the Hamburg Police are now establishing a low-threshold platform to disseminate this critical information.
New Tools and Resources for Citizens
At the heart of the new strategy are regular online events covering a broad spectrum of threats, from telephone and messenger fraud to online risks facing young people and practical safety tips for securing homes. A free anti-phishing package is also available, offering a concise, four-step guide to identifying fake messages, verifying suspicious links, and protecting against CEO fraud and messenger fraud. The package includes a practical checklist and immediately implementable protective measures, making it particularly valuable for frequent online users.
One particularly treacherous scam involves perpetrators posing as relatives in need via messaging apps like WhatsApp, demanding money under false pretenses. Police are urging citizens to never respond to messages from unknown numbers and to always verify the situation by calling back a known contact number.
Immediate Steps to Enhance Smartphone Security
Security experts from the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the Hamburg Police recommend several immediate steps users can take to protect their devices:
- Enable a screen lock using a PIN, password, or biometric authentication.
- Install operating system and app updates promptly to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Activate WiFi and Bluetooth only when necessary.
- Utilize a VPN service for a secure connection when using public networks.
- Download apps exclusively from trustworthy sources, such as official app stores.
These basic practices significantly hinder criminal access and form a cornerstone of the new online advice program.
A Proactive and Collaborative Approach
The digitalization of advice represents a strategic response to evolving crime patterns. While the total number of crimes in Hamburg decreased by four percent in 2024, the proportion occurring in the digital space continues to rise.
This initiative is not a one-time event, but rather the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. Police anticipate expanding the webinar offerings to address emerging threats like identity theft and smart home risks. The launch is accompanied by the prevention campaign “In Hamburg people are plietsch,” which invited citizens to submit their own security ideas, with the best suggestions to be awarded today.
“Digital security is a task for society as a whole,” a police spokesperson emphasized.
A free guide is also available, providing clear, practical steps for identifying and avoiding scams, securing smartphone settings, and knowing what to do if fraud is suspected. The guide includes a printable checklist for easy reference.
