When reversing out of a parking space at the supermarket, in a 30 km/h zone at the garden fence or when opening the car door: small accidents involving damage to bodywork and property happen quickly in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, simply driving off and not paying any further attention to the damage is anything but a trivial offense.
Hit-and-run accidents are a criminal offence.
If the perpetrator leaves the scene of the accident without permission, the injured parties are often left with high costs. In the past four days alone, more than 30 reports of hit-and-run accidents have been filed with the Steinfurt district police authority - including in Emsdetten, Greven, Lengerich, Steinfurt and Rheine. There is no local focus for this offense.
The police investigate every case
The district police authority consistently prosecutes hit-and-runs together with the responsible public prosecutor's office. Officers from the Rheine traffic commissioner's office investigate every case.
A hit-and-run can be punished with severe fines or a prison sentence of up to three years. In addition, there is also the threat of having your driving license revoked. Not to mention claims under civil law. This all depends, for example, on the severity of the accident - the amount of property damage, injured persons. The driving license is usually revoked by the court if the amount of damage in a traffic accident is 1000 euros or more. This sum is reached very quickly and can be assumed, for example, when repainting a bumper.
Note on the windshield is not enough
Under no circumstances is it sufficient to simply leave a note with the telephone number on the windshield of the damaged vehicle. If the injured party is not on site, the police must be informed. And immediately, not within the first 24 hours after leaving the scene of the accident. So - after a reasonable waiting time (approx. 30 minutes) - contact the police and give them the registration number of the damaged vehicle.
Witnesses help with the investigation
The police rely on information from the public when investigating hit-and-run accidents. Every tip can help. Have you witnessed such a getaway? Do you have information about the vehicle, license plate number, driver or time of the crime? Then please contact your local police station or dial 110.