Rioting young people in Altenkunstadt: damage to the car!

Rioting young people in Altenkunstadt: damage to the car!

At 1:45 a.m. on Thursday, a 16-year-old was caught by the police on Theodor-Heuss-Strasse in Altenkunstadt, who, together with a male accomplice, caused quite a ruckus. The two young people had apparently made a joke and damaged a car, a KIA, by tearing off the license plate and placing stones on the hood. Knocking over several garbage cans in the surrounding area was also one of her “infamous deeds”. An alcohol test on the 16-year-old showed a blood alcohol level of 0.7 per mille. The damage caused amounts to around 20 euros. The police finally intervened by handing the young person over to her parents and filing a complaint for damage to property, as the Main-Post reports.

Such incidents naturally raise questions: Is youth crime an increasing problem in Germany? According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, the phenomenon is not limited to certain groups or regions, but the majority of young people stop their criminal activities when they grow up. Nevertheless, up to 70% of students say they have committed a crime in the last 12 months, with the majority only committing minor offenses. It is particularly young males who become conspicuous.

A look at the numbers and reality

The current statistics show an interesting development in juvenile crime. In Germany, according to a survey in 2024, almost three quarters of young suspects were male. The psychological stress caused by the Corona measures is cited as one of the causes of the increase in youth violence and can further complicate the situation. According to Statista, youth violence reached a peak in 2024 with around 13,800 cases, more than twice as high as in 2016.

Although there has been a decline in the number of young suspects in recent years, which was around 452,000 in 2024, these numbers are a third less than in 1998. The majority of young people who commit crimes are not convicted because the proceedings are often stopped or ended with educational measures.

Prevention and social policy approaches

Despite the alarming statistics, the question remains about the best approach to the issue. The Federal Agency for Civic Education appeals for stronger preventive measures, especially through child and youth welfare, in order to prevent criminal careers in their early stages. Integrative approaches are needed to not only reach perpetrators, but also to support those who may be victims of violence within their families.

In view of these figures and developments, it is clear: extracurricular activities for young people and the focus on social criminal policy can be central elements in combating the causes of youth crime. What is happening on the streets is not just excitement, but a symptom of deeper social problems that urgently need to be addressed.