Young people in Gütersloh: Police use escalated after threat of violence!

Young people in Gütersloh: Police use escalated after threat of violence!

on Tuesday evening, April 30, there was an escalating incident in Gütersloh at around 8:30 p.m. Witnesses had alerted the officers because a group of young people threatened to tip the situation on Neuenkirchener Strasse. During the initial investigations, the police found a shock pistol that was ensured by one of the young people. Measures against the young people were initiated immediately to prevent further riots.

In the course of this commitment, a 15-year-old Gütersloher was involved directly in the events. When the police asked him to hand over his e-cigarette, the situation escalated. The young person began to insult the officials and performed aggressively. During the transport to the guard, the 15-year-old resisted and kicked an official on her head, which further tightened the situation. Even while driving, he expressed threats to the police.

family conflict and direct violence

The dispute took a surprising turn before the guard when the parents' parents arrived. The 43-year-old mother attacked a police officer and added slight injuries. The 49-year-old father reacted to the situation by shouting at the officials, which further fueled the situation. After a certain time, however, it was possible to calm the parents.

The 15-year-old himself caused further excitement in the patrol car by causing rioting and causing damage. Ultimately, three people - including a police officer, a policewoman and the young person himself - had to be treated with minor injuries. The incident led to the initiation of investigation against all family members involved.

youth crime in context

The events in Gütersloh are part of a larger trend. A ZDF documentary about youth crime addresses the increase in violence among young people, which has accepted worrying proportions in recent years. In 2022, police crime statistics showed an increase in violent crime by around a third, especially in suspects under the age of 18. Despite this increase, the crime level remains low compared to the early 2000s.

A study by the Lower Saxony Criminological Research Institute demonstrated that violence is increasingly accepted among young people. The proportion of ninth graders who consider violence as legitimate rose significantly between 2013 and 2022. Factors such as the influence of violent educational methods, criminal friends as well as alcohol and drug use play a crucial role. The criminologist Dirk Baier warns of social development and points out that preventive measures are essential to stop this trend.

The events in Gütersloh and the study on youth violence are alarming indicators. In order to act effectively against youth crime, not only are tougher punishments necessary, but also mediation between perpetrators and victims in order to react comprehensively to the problem.