German police disguise themselves as undergrowth to catch burglar

It may look like a bizarre forest goblin, but this is actually the latest German anti-crime technology – a policeman dressed in a suit. The outfit, which was ordered from a catalogue, actually helped police in Bochum in North Rhine-Westphalia catch a Romanian serial burglar.

A passer-by had earlier discovered bin bags containing laptops, clothes and tools for breaking in. It was immediately clear what it was – a burglar’s lair.

Inspector Michael L. (27) was keen to catch the crook red-handed. He said: “I discussed with my colleague how we could camouflage ourselves in the forest. Then we discovered the suit in a mail-order catalogue and bought two for €100 each – out of our own pockets.”



The enterprising pair donned the suits and lay in wait. After eight hours of boredom, they suddenly heard a car approaching.

“As we jumped up from the ground, we were immediately attacked. But we were able to overwhelm and arrest the man.”

The 39-year-old Romanian had only travelled to Germany for the break-ins. Michael added: “We were able to recover the stolen laptops. That made spending our own money worthwhile.”