Background: knife violence in North Rhine-Westphalia
Knife violence poses a significant threat to public safety. Statewide, the number of violent crimes involving knives in public spaces rose by 42.6 percent in 2023. Although Hagen recorded a decrease in these crimes (from 65 cases in 2022 to 51 cases in 2023), the issue remains highly topical.
"Our aim is to prevent young people from carrying knives in the first place - whether out of fear, for defensive reasons or as a threat. The danger and consequences of knife violence must be made visible from all angles," explains Ursula Tomahogh, Police Hagen´s authority manager.
The prevention video: "Recognizing danger, preventing violence"
The prevention video, which will be published on various platforms, highlights the risks and consequences of knife violence from different perspectives. Several well-known influencers have been recruited for the production and are committed to the project:
- Felix Berndt (doc.felix): As a doctor, he explains the medical consequences of knife attacks.
- Christian Solmecke: As a lawyer, he discusses the legal consequences for perpetrators.
- Stefan Weissgerber (Coach Stef): addresses young men specifically with his authentic "real talk" approach.
The contributions are supplemented by testimonials from a convicted offender who is currently in prison and a victim of a knife attack, as well as the operational experience of a SEK officer. Religious aspects were also addressed in a sensitive manner. 45% of suspects identified nationwide in knife attacks in public spaces do not have German citizenship.
Availability and distribution
The video is available on the Hagen police website and will be published in short videos on social networks in the coming weeks. It is also available for schools, youth facilities and other educational institutions and can be shown there as part of prevention events.
"We invite everyone to watch the video, share the posts and spread the important message," says police spokesman Sebastian Hirschberg. "Especially in view of the Christmas markets and the amendment to the Weapons Act, which prohibits the carrying of knives at public events, we want to send a clear signal, even though Hagen is clearly not a knife city: No tolerance for knife violence."
Watch and share the video now
The Hagen police is calling on people to actively share the video in order to reach as many people as possible. Together, we can help prevent knife violence before it happens.
The video can be found at: hagen.polizei.nrw and on the Hagen police social network accounts.