A peculiar case of auto theft has emerged in Germany, involving a 27-year-old man from Mannheim who was arrested for allegedly stealing his own car in Dortmund. The situation unfolded when the man, whose BMW was stolen during a family visit in Romania in late April, located his vehicle in Dortmund using tracking data. Instead of informing the police, he took matters into his own hands, driving the car back to Mannheim with his original key.

The arrest occurred after a 38-year-old Dortmund resident, who had purchased the car in Germany weeks after its theft, reported it stolen. Police tracked the vehicle to Mannheim and detained the original owner. During questioning, the 27-year-old presented documents proving his ownership of the car, which he had bought in the UK several years prior. Both men provided credible accounts of how they came into possession of the vehicle, according to police.

The BMW, a 2017 model valued at approximately 12,000 euros, has been impounded by authorities as they work to clarify the ownership situation. The case has highlighted the complexities that can arise in the aftermath of auto theft, especially when vehicles cross international borders. Investigators are also tasked with identifying the thieves in Romania who initially stole the car from the Mannheim resident.

This incident raises questions about the legal ramifications of reclaiming stolen property without police involvement. While the original owner's actions may seem justified, they have led to a legal and procedural quandary for the authorities involved. The case continues to develop as police delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the car's theft and subsequent recovery.