After the initial assessments at the opening of the session, the police published exact figures a week later. These prove what was already indicated on the evening of last Monday: the start of the new season was not as criminal as last year, when 11.11. fell on a Saturday.
November 11, 2024 in Cologne: Six rapes
As of November 17th, the Cologne police are processing 241 criminal complaints in the area of carnival hotspots, around 42 percent fewer cases than last year. In 2023, the investigators recorded 342 crimes related to the opening of the session in the comparison period between 6 a.m. on November 11th and 6 a.m. on November 12th. The police consider the hotspots to be the areas around Zülpicher Straße, the rings, the old town and Südstadt.
However, the police are investigating six cases of reported rape. There had been no report in the previous year. An act is said to have been committed on public streets. The police also named 14 cases (previous year 16) of sexual harassment and two cases of sexual assault in dance halls or bars. Two acts of robbery were recorded, while in 2023 there were still four.
The number of physical injuries fell from 129 to 88. When it comes to pickpocketing, the number of cases at 45 is also significantly lower than the previous year (70). Of the 31 drunk drivers, most were on e-scooters. In 18 cases, the emergency services ordered blood samples and seven driving licenses were confiscated. The police also speak of a positive trend in the crime situation throughout the city. 551 crimes were registered in the 24-hour period. In 2023 there were 850.
What specific preventive measures were enacted this year at the Carnival that may have contributed to the significant decrease in crime compared to last year?
1. The number of crimes has decreased significantly this year compared to last year’s Carnival opening on Saturday. Could you share your thoughts on what could be the reason for this? Are the preventive measures taken by the police and authorities working effectively?
2. While the overall crime rate has decreased, there were still reports of sexual offenses, including rape. As authorities, how do you plan to address these issues and ensure the safety of women and girls during such events in the future?
3. Physical injuries and pickpocketing cases have also decreased. Can you provide insights on the measures taken to prevent these crimes and what advice would you give to individuals attending such large-scale events to keep themselves safe?
4. The article mentions a positive trend in the crime situation throughout the city. How did this trend evolve over the course of the Carnival celebrations? Were there any particular challenges or surprises that you dealt with during this time?
5. How have the use of e-scooters affected the number of drunk driving incidents during the Carnival, and what measures have been taken to minimize the risks associated with them?
6. what role do you think education and awareness programs play in preventing crime during such events? Are there any specific initiatives that you would recommend to encourage responsible behavior among attendees?
