Police are investigating a robbery at the home of an elderly woman in Derenburg in the Harz district and are looking for witnesses. According to the information available so far, the 81-year-old resident was attacked and injured at her home on the evening of 7 November 2026. Police made the case public on 8 November.
According to police, the attack was preceded by a scam call. An unknown caller allegedly unsettled the woman and told her that someone would come to collect valuables for safekeeping. Shortly afterwards, a man appeared at her door, forced his way in and stole jewellery and cash. The elderly woman was injured in the attack and received medical treatment. According to the investigation so far, the offender fled in a vehicle, apparently accompanied by another person. The car drove off in the direction of Blankenburg 。
The investigation is being led by Harz Police Station; the criminal police has taken over the case. Police are appealing for information, particularly about an unfamiliar vehicle or suspicious people in the Derenburg area on the evening of 7 November, and about unusual phone calls in the area. No specific details are yet available about the value of the stolen goods or the vehicle used to flee. Police had announced no arrests by the time of publication.
The case is among a number of offences reported across Germany in which criminals target older people with scam calls or similar pretexts. Typically, the calls put victims under pressure, after which supposed collectors or advisers appear at their front door. The Saxony-Anhalt Police and crime-prevention organisations advise people not to let strangers into their homes, to contact relatives after suspicious calls and, if in doubt, to inform the police using known emergency or station numbers. Official services do not ask people to hand over valuables over the phone and do not send collectors without a reason.
According to information from MDR Saxony-Anhalt police confirmed the main details of the case on 8 November. The scene is within the jurisdiction of Harz Police Station; the further examination of evidence and witness statements is ongoing. Police say they will provide further information as soon as reliable details about the suspects or the vehicle used become available. Tips can be given to any police station and will be passed on to the department investigating the case.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).