Intense escalation in police officer assaults

In a recent presentation in Stuttgart, Interior Minister Thomas Strobl unveiled the Police Criminal Statistics for the year 2024 in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The statistics paint a complex picture of the state's security landscape, with notable increases in certain crime categories and successes in addressing others.

A Rise in Cybercrime and Violence

One of the most significant trends revealed in the statistics is the increase in cybercrime. The number of cybercrime cases rose by 10.8%, reaching approximately 15,000 cases in 2024. Financial damage from these cases that were solved increased by a quarter to around 74.5 million euros. Strobl identified cybercrime and cyberwarfare as significant challenges, particularly concerning critical infrastructure.

Another concerning trend is the rise in religiously motivated violence. Despite the low number of cases, there was an increase from 92 to 124 cases in this area. Strobl views this as posing a significant threat.

The number of attacks on police officers also saw an increase, with a 7.2% rise in 2024, reaching around 6,400 crimes. This unfortunate trend was underscored by a tragic incident, a knife attack on Mannheim market square that resulted in several injuries and the death of police officer Rouven Laur.

Successes in Solving Cybercrime Cases

Despite the rise in cybercrime, the police were able to solve about two-thirds of the cases. This success is reflected in the overall crime statistics, with a 6.4% increase in crimes committed online or using IT devices, resulting in approximately 46,000 cases in 2024.

Call for Tougher Penalties

In response to the rising violence against police officers, Strobl is calling for tougher penalties. He suggested a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of one year in imprisonment for resisting police and assault. While the politician demanding an increase in penalty for these crimes is not explicitly named, former SEK officer Karsten Loest has initiated a petition calling for harsher punishments for knife crimes, which may relate to calls for stricter penalties in similar contexts.

Criticism and Future Concerns

Strobl also criticized the Cannabis Act, expressing concern about its impact on the protection of children and young people, and the continued success of organized crime. He renewed his demand for data retention, stating it is urgently needed for preventing serious and heinous crimes, particularly in the areas of terrorism and child abuse.

As the coalition negotiations approach, Strobl hopes that the SPD will address these concerns. He also noted the 34.4% increase in politically motivated crimes in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a new high of 6,526 cases in the ten-year comparison. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and effective law enforcement.