October 30, 2026, 1:05 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Protests are planned in Germany for October 31. Security agencies are also preparing for possible riots. What happens if stores are looted? A look at France shows how alleged stolen goods later appear on online marketplaces and why a supposed bargain can become a problem for buyers.
Protests are planned in several German cities on October 31. Security agencies are monitoring calls for violence in advance and are coordinating with France and Italy, according to Tagesschau. The domestic intelligence service is monitoring websites and social networks where calls for violent protests may be made.
It is important to clearly distinguish between the announced demonstrations and potential riots. The initiative behind the protests explicitly rejects violence. According to Tagesschau, it is still difficult to assess the actual level of mobilization.
Nevertheless, the police are preparing for possible riots. Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Jan Redmann warns of acts of violence, and the Berlin police are preparing for a large-scale operation, according to rbb24.
Whether riots or even looting will occur on October 31 remains uncertain. However, a look at France shows the consequences looting can have beyond the immediately affected stores. Stolen goods can later appear on the digital secondary market.
More than 2,500 Stores Damaged in France
During the riots on two Saturdays, more than 2,500 stores were damaged in France, according to the Chamber of Commerce CCI France. Of these, 1,161 were severely affected by looting, vandalism, and arson. Marseille was particularly hard hit: According to ZDFheute, 331 stores were vandalized and 128 completely looted.
Stores from a wide range of sectors were affected. Among those mentioned are Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Adidas, and Sephora. This spectrum exemplifies luxury watches and designer fashion to sports goods and cosmetics.
However, the examples do not provide a reliable ranking of the most frequently stolen products. From the affected brands, it cannot be concluded that watches, sneakers, bags, or cosmetics are generally the “most popular loot.”
More than 1,700 Suspicious Ads Removed
What could be specifically observed: Shortly after the riots, ads with brand-new, original-packaged goods and unusually cheap brand cosmetics appeared online. According to the French government, online platforms deleted more than 1,700 ads on suspicion that they offered goods from looted stores. Additionally, 237 user accounts were suspended.
Following the riots, the French government contacted platforms such as Vinted, eBay, and TikTok. Some of the questionable goods were already offered on the platforms shortly after the riots on October 17.
However, the numbers do not prove that all deleted ads actually contained stolen goods. Initially, the suspicion of such trade was decisive. Many cases are still under investigation.
When Buyers Should Look More Closely
A pair of new sneakers, a luxury handbag, or an unopened perfume is not automatically suspicious. An unusually low price alone does not prove a crime.
However, buyers should look more closely when several inconsistencies come together. These can include:
- noticeably low prices for current brand-name goods,
- large quantities of the same or similar new goods,
- multiple original-packaged products from a private seller,
- contradictory information about the purchase, age, or origin of the items.
None of these points is proof of theft. However, if several irregularities coincide, it is advisable to inquire before purchasing and check the seller’s information for plausibility.
For high-priced goods, a receipt, the original packaging, or other verifiable information about the original purchase can provide additional clues. However, even such evidence does not guarantee that an offer is genuine or lawful.
A Additional Problem with Smartphones
With electronics, in addition to the unclear origin, there is the issue of technical usability. A smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch may still be linked to the previous owner’s user account.
Buyers of used technology should therefore check whether the device can be properly reset and set up anew. If a foreign account link is active, the device may be only partially or not at all usable, despite its outwardly flawless condition.
This distinguishes technology from many other secondhand products: Even if a device is offered cheaply and works, the later setup may fail.
Also interesting: Lost or stolen smartphone? Here’s what to do
Bought Stolen Goods–Can You Keep Them?
In Germany, buying a stolen item unknowingly does not automatically make you its rightful owner.
Section 935 of the German Civil Code states that a good-faith acquisition of ownership does not generally occur if an item was stolen from its owner, lost, or otherwise misplaced. The law provides exceptions for money and certain public auctions.
In simple terms, payment alone does not make the buyer the owner of stolen goods. Therefore, the supposed bargain may have to be returned under certain circumstances.
This is distinct from the criminal law issue. Section 259 of the German Penal Code covers, among other things, the purchase or acquisition of an item obtained by theft or another crime against someone else’s property, if done for personal gain or the gain of a third party. The law provides for a fine or imprisonment of up to five years. Attempting this is also punishable.
Having no knowledge of a prior theft at the time of purchase does not automatically make one a fence. Whether criminal liability exists depends on the circumstances of the individual case and the legal requirements.
Vinted Takes Action Against Suspected Looted Goods
How Reliable Is the Chinese Bargain Shop Temu?
Not Every Bargain is Suspicious
There are many legitimate reasons for low prices on Vinted, classifieds, and other platforms. Sellers may want to quickly get rid of an unwanted purchase, an unloved gift, or no longer needed clothing. The price alone is therefore not a warning signal.
Also interesting: 4 nasty “fake” scams that classifieds users should know about
What the France Comparison Means for October 31
Whether the protests announced for October 31 in Germany will lead to riots or looting is uncertain. The organizers explicitly distance themselves from violence. At the same time, security agencies are preparing for possible incidents.
If looting occurs in Germany and noticeable amounts of new brand-name goods appear on secondhand platforms, buyers should take a closer look. The supposed super bargain may quickly turn out not to be one if the goods actually belong to someone else.