Young people in Benshausen set off fireworks – police sound the alarm!

Young people in Benshausen set off fireworks – police sound the alarm!

In the small community of Benshausen, a group of five young people is causing a stir. On the night of Thursday, July 24th, 2025, the young people between the ages of 13 and 18 committed some dangerous acts in the city's roundabout. In addition to twisting traffic signs, they also set off fireworks and even laid one of the signs on the street. An attentive witness was able to speak to the group and hold them until the police arrived. The officers found two more fireworks at the scene, which were confiscated. The minors were finally handed over to their legal guardians while the police investigate dangerous interference with traffic and violations of the Explosives Act. This is an example of the worrying developments surrounding youth crime, which is not only an issue in Benshausen, but in many cities across the country.

The incident not only raises questions about responsible behavior among young people, but is also reminiscent of similar, violent riots that took place in cities like Berlin, particularly on New Year's Eve. There, several people, including police officers, were attacked with pyrotechnics. The Berliner Zeitung reported that the Tiergarten district court had issued arrest warrants against a 20-year-old and a 17-year-old. Among other things, they are said to have thrown fireworks at vehicles, set up barricades and attacked police forces. Such incidents are not only frightening, but also shed light on the dynamics behind juvenile crime.

The situation of juvenile crime

In the context of increasing youth crime, it is important to take a look at the numbers. According to information from the Federal Agency for Civic Education, survey data shows that up to 70% of students have committed a crime in the last 12 months. The majority of young people who commit crimes are male, and many stop their criminal behavior as they grow up. Although violent crimes are rare overall, they have high cumulative prevalence rates, especially among young people.

Despite the worrying notes in these statistics, juvenile crime is an issue that requires nuanced approaches. Experts warn against generalizing that young people with a migrant background are overrepresented. In fact, studies show that many young people, regardless of their background, are often victims of social injustices. Informal social control through family, school and community plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of punishment and was often of a one-time nature.

What happened in Benshausen could therefore also be understood as a warning that preventative measures are necessary to stop such dangerous trends. It is up to the community to find and develop solutions to teach young people how to act responsibly and show them a positive perspective. These challenges are present not only locally, but nationwide and require a joint effort from families, schools and social institutions.