Kottbusser Tor: police station against drugs and crime - a first conclusion
Kottbusser Tor: police station against drugs and crime - a first conclusion
The developments related to the Kottbusser Tor in Berlin-Kreuzberg reflect an important social debate. This area is not only a popular conference location for party goers, but also a focus on social challenges.
Community with challenges
The Kottbusser Tor has developed into a center for the Turkish community in Berlin. Nevertheless, the combination of poverty and crime burden many residents. From drug trafficking to bodily harm to sexual assault - the list of problems is long. Café owner Ercan Yaşaroğlu was skeptical before the opening of a police station and feared that his café could become a target for violence and crime.
changed view
However, reality looked different: after the police station was opened, the security situation in the area has improved. Ercan Yaşaroğlu notices that "used to master the Kottbusser Tor. Today the children play outside until late at night." This positive development shows how targeted police presence can strengthen the feeling of security of the residents.
Success model police presence
Karsten Stephan, police director and section manager of the new guard, proudly describes the changes as a "success model". An increased police presence has not only led to more arrests in the act, but also to the fact that people who have not dealt with the police have now felt more understood.
Criticism of police measures
However, these successes are not rated positively by all residents. Some complain that despite the police station, the violence has not completely withdrawn from the area and denuncian a shift in problems into the side streets. Concerns regarding the tight financial resources provided for social projects have also become loud. Wolfgang Moser, member of the tenant council, criticizes the unequal weighting of police spending and social initiatives.
Long-term strategies for better quality of life
However, the challenges at the Kottbusser Tor not only require police measures, but also a comprehensive concept that meets the social needs of the residents. This could include, for example, the expansion of accommodation and residence offers for drug addicts as well as the creation of more light and cleanliness in the area.
Hope for a better future
Café owner Yaşaroğlu hopes for an agreement between politics and residents to continue the challenges at the Kottbusser Tor. The goal is to create a safe living environment for everyone. "Too often, crime in migrant quarters is simply accepted by politics. We also want to live in safety. The Kottbusser Tor is proof of this," he explains.
- Nag