Although there were fewer cases of dangerous bodily harm (49 compared to 74 last year), there was an increase in the number of people riding public transportation without a valid ticket, more vandalism and more shoplifters. The number of robberies went down to 36 from 52 last year.

Brohl-Sowa says the positive developments are a result of increased police presence and intervention. More patrols are on the streets from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and special police units are controlling focal points between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., on the lookout for potential juvenile offenders. Some of the critical areas include the city center, Kurpark, Panorama Park, Rheinallee, the Rheinaue, the green area on Heinemannstraße and parts of Mehlem. More than 800 persons have been checked by police since the beginning of June.

“At the last intervention initiative, we hardly ran into any more youth gangs,” said Brohl-Sowa. This could mean that police controls have discouraged the youth from hanging around Bad Godesberg and they have moved away from the district. She did not want to say where they might have gone but assured that authorities were keeping an eye on the situation.

Twelve young men have received an official notice banning them from public places and parks from 8:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. until mid-September. A violation of the order would result in a 500 euro fine.

It wasn’t clear how long the special intervention patrols would carry on, Brohl-Sowa said it would depend on developments. In winter when it gets colder outside, there would probably be less youth hanging out and not as many controls would be needed. Police might then shift their focus to crimes involving burglary.

Orig. text: Ayla Jacob