18-year-old in Gardelegen threatened and injured with baseball bats!

18-year-old in Gardelegen threatened and injured with baseball bats!

In Gardelegen, an 18-year-old victim of an attack by a group of young men was made on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Bahnhofstrasse, in the area of the station tunnel, when the group of four started the victim. According to TAG24 , the attack started in the face, while another attacker started the victim with one Baseball bats threatened. The young men applied black clothes and showed a Mediterranean appearance.

The victim suffered open bruises on the face and arms due to the violent attack. The police have already initiated initial investigations into dangerous bodily harm and threat and is looking for eyewitnesses that can contribute to clarifying the incident. Information can be given to the police in Salzwedel on 03901/8480.

youth crime on the advance

Such attacks are not isolated cases. According to current statistics on youth crime in Germany, the number of cases rose to around 13,800 in 2024, which is more than twice as high as in 2016. This increase affects young people between the ages of 14 and 17 and adolescents between the ages of 18 and 20. In recent years, a significant increase in violence among young people has been observed, such as Statista documented.

The background for this trend are diverse. Experts from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) mainly call mental stress from the Corona measures and specific risk factors in young people seeking protection. In 2024, almost three quarters of the young suspects were male, which indicates that male youth is particularly often involved in violent offenses. In the case of young people under the age of 21, the proportion of men is even about 84 percent.

measures and prevention

The discussion about possible measures to reduce youth crime is in full swing. A reduction in punishment or harder sanctions in juvenile justice are mentioned as possible approaches. Nevertheless, the importance of prevention measures is also emphasized in order to counteract criminal behavior from the outset. Experts advocate greater support from child and youth welfare to prevent the emergence of criminal careers. A good hand in dealing with youth is required here.

Incidents such as in Gardelegen are a clear sign that there is still a lot to do to ensure security in our cities and to protect younger generations from violence and aggression.