The number of violent crimes in public spaces involving the use of knives rose by 42.6% across the country in 2023. To counteract this trend, the Ministry of the Interior has issued clear guidelines to the district police authorities in a concept paper with a ten-point plan. In Hagen, however, the number of violent crimes in public spaces in which knives were used fell compared to the previous year (from 65 to 51 crimes). Nevertheless, the Hagen police also wants to counteract the nationwide trend.
In addition to many already established measures, authority manager Ursula Tomahogh has now presented a new concept for Hagen: the individual ban on carrying weapons.
The authority manager explained: "The number of violent crimes in public spaces involving the use of knives in Hagen is on the decline, contrary to the national trend. Nevertheless, the issue concerns the Hagen police and our citizens. Attacks with knives carry a high risk of injury and can have life-threatening or even fatal consequences in a very short time. Our police officers therefore act with the utmost consistency against knife offenders in such situations. It remains our goal to seize prohibited knives and knives that are subject to a carry ban and to prevent offenders from using knives or dangerous objects again."
If a person is found to have committed a criminal offense or misdemeanor involving the use of a knife, the police record and review the case in writing. Depending on the severity and frequency of the offense, the person concerned may be banned from carrying a weapon. This prohibits them from carrying a knife or other dangerous tools and sports equipment for three years. In the event of a violation, a fine of up to 500 Euros or alternative compulsory detention may be imposed.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Hagen police carried out a special operation with a large number of uniformed and civilian officers, supported by the riot police from Bochum. The aim was to seize knives that were prohibited or subject to a ban on carrying in the Hagen city area.
"For the operation, we specifically selected heavily frequented locations in the city center area, in Altenhagen and Wehringhausen and visited them. Over 200 people were checked and several reports were made. Nobody was carrying a knife. The result shows that Hagen is not a city of knives. However, we want to continue to rigorously hold those who behave criminally accountable in the future," said EPHK Mathias Witte, head of operations.
The Hagen police will consistently implement the new concept and is planning further special operations. Police officers on day-to-day duty will also increasingly check whether an individual ban on carrying weapons can be imposed on offenders.