Young raids in Bottrop: Police hold suspicious perpetrators!

Young raids in Bottrop: Police hold suspicious perpetrators!

On January 24, 2025, a 60-year-old woman was victim of a robbery in the Hansastraße area/Am Horse Markt in Bottrop. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. when the woman was attacked and beaten by two unknown perpetrators. A third perpetrator then snatched her pink, patterned backpack that contained a cell phone and a wallet. Despite the escalating situation, the police were able to intervene quickly and identify three alleged perpetrators, all at the age of 15 and come from Bottrop and Gladbeck. A witness had observed one of the fleeing perpetrators and immediately informed the police, which led to the quick arrest of the young person from Bottrop.

The 15-year-old was arrested at his home address after he had thrown the crime in the window. The officials were able to secure the stolen goods and quickly received information about the other two suspects. Although the investigation of the responsible commissioner continues, the incident emphasizes the continuing challenges in the field of youth crime.

youth crime in focus

The topic of youth crime regularly leads to intensive social and political discussions in Germany. The incident in Bottrop is not isolated, but is in the context of a worrying increase in crime among young people. According to the police crime statistics (PKS) 2023, there was an increase in crimes in the age group under 14 years, while young people between the ages of 14 and 17 are often confronted with the Youth Court Act (JGG). This law aims to prevent renewed crimes and to take into account the psychological development process of young people, since they are often considered less guilty.

In 2023 there were around 483,000 suspects under the age of 21, which constitutes 21% of all those suspected by the police. The most common crimes in this group were theft, followed by assault and property damage. In addition, statistics show that in particular, violations of the residence, asylum and freedom of free movement law as well as drug offenses were registered.

reactions and outlook

The fact that all three suspects come from Bottrop and Gladbeck may also cause the concerns about repeated crimes of young people. It remains to be seen how the authorities will react to this incident, especially with regard to preventive measures. Experts often call for increased cooperation between schools, youth welfare offices and the police in order to achieve endangered young people at an early stage and to show them alternatives.

The future -oriented question remains how Germany will address the challenges in the field of youth crime, while public discourse on security and prevention will continue to gain drive. The attack in Bottrop once again initiated the debate and illustrated the urgent need to strengthen prevention programs and to support young people from problematic conditions.
For further information on the background of youth crime in Germany, also visit the Statista-page About youth crime.