The rising number of knives being carried and knife crime in public spaces across the country is a cause for concern.
It is mostly young men who believe they have to carry knives "for protection", making the knife a regular companion. If an argument or conflict arises, the knife is drawn and used.
Studies and police surveys have shown that the majority of offenders and victims know each other, with most crimes occurring in the evening and at night. Around half of the suspects are under the age of 21. Around 45 percent of the suspects do not have a German passport.
The Recklinghausen police headquarters has been keeping an eye on crimes involving knives for some time. Various measures have already been taken to combat knife violence. Several individual bans on carrying weapons have been issued, and an individual weapons ban is regularly reviewed in current cases.
Security at events has also been increased several times by means of a "strategic search", most recently in Recklinghausen for the duration of "Recklinghausen leuchtet". The strategic search makes it possible to carry out checks at events and in certain areas without a specific reason in order to ensure the greatest possible security. The establishment of a weapons ban zone is also under regular review. Further information on this: https://www.presseportal.de/print/5852076-print.html).
Days of action to combat knife violence (such as on 23 October) have been held to keep up the pressure to control dangerous objects and knives. The already close networking with municipal partners has been intensified in order to optimize safety concepts and ensure mutual exchange.
With the distribution of prevention posters, the Recklinghausen police are implementing a further component of the 10-point plan to combat knife violence.
"One fight - one stab - one destroyed life. This sequence must be broken." summarizes Police Commissioner Friederike Zurhausen. "The decision must be: Better without knives!"
In order to spread this message, police officers have been out and about with posters and flyers since November 4. The posters are being distributed at police stations, immigration offices, schools and accommodation facilities. The appeal is made in various languages: Better without knives!"
"We want to encourage people to rethink. You don't need a knife in your pocket to feel safe on our streets," clarifies Friederike Zurhausen.
