Urgency in Addressing Internal Security Matters Cannot Be Overlooked
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), concerns over increasing violent crimes and cybercrime have escalated, leading to a call for urgent measures to strengthen internal security. Sonja Bongers, the Chair of the SPD City Council Fraction and a Member of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament, has been at the forefront of these discussions.
Recent incidents, such as the tragic crime in Dorsten where a 16-year-old Ukrainian boy confessed to killing a Ukrainian woman and her one-year-old daughter, have highlighted the need for improved security. Meanwhile, the 2025 Hamburg stabbing attack in a nearby region has raised similar concerns about public safety.
The latest crime statistics for NRW show a slight decrease in overall crime but a high crime rate. Despite a 1.7% increase in cases of bodily harm, there has been a 5.2% rise in recorded burglaries. More alarming is the increase in knife attacks, which rose by more than 20% in 2024. The area of cybercrime saw a 7.8% increase in recorded cases.
These developments are shocking and indicative of growing disrespect for state institutions. Bongers stated that the increasing violence in some parts of society and the renewed increase in cases of resistance against or assault on state authority is a worrying trend.
To address these issues, Bongers and other policymakers propose a multifaceted approach. Strengthening law enforcement presence and improving surveillance in public areas can help deter violent crimes. Encouraging community involvement in crime prevention through neighbourhood watch programs and social initiatives can enhance internal security.
Data-driven policies, especially regarding migration and youth crime, can help address the root causes of violent crimes. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as better IT infrastructure and public awareness campaigns, is crucial for combating cybercrime.
Bongers also suggested expanding the 'Kurve kriegen' program and intensified violence prevention in schools and youth facilities. She proposed considering qualified lateral entrants to increase police presence, particularly in districts and affected areas.
Moreover, Bongers suggested expanding the digital presence of law enforcement agencies through online patrols, AI-assisted reporting, and a specific "online commissariat" for children and youth.
The judiciary's personnel equipment, including public prosecutor's offices and courts, should also be improved for consistent and swift prosecution. However, the challenges are significant. The rise in xenophobic incidents complicates internal security efforts, as it can lead to further stigmatization and tension between communities.
The perceived failure of migration policies has been linked to increased crime rates among certain groups, making it a contentious issue in political discourse. Despite these challenges, addressing the increase in violent crimes and cybercrime in NRW requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
- It is crucial for policymakers, like Sonja Bongers, to implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as better IT infrastructure and public awareness campaigns, to combat the 7.8% increase in recorded cybercrime cases in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
- To address the growing concerns over increasing violent crimes and cybercrime, Bongers and other policymakers suggest a multifaceted approach, including strengthening law enforcement presence and surveillance, encouraging community involvement, implementing data-driven policies, and expanding the digital presence of law enforcement agencies.
- In light of the increase in knife attacks, recorded burglaries, and cybercrime, the politics of crime and justice in NRW are heavily focused on policy-and-legislation discussions, aiming to ensure the safety and security of its citizens amidst ongoing general-news reports about violent crimes.
