Federal Interior Minister Praises Hamburg’s "Quattro Streifen" for Crime Reduction
Hamburg, Germany – Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has commended the "Quattro Streifen" initiative implemented at Hamburg’s Hauptbahnhof (central railway station) for its effectiveness in combating crime in one of Germany’s most important railway hubs.
During a visit to the Streifen, a joint force comprising federal and state police, the Hochbahn Wache (rapid transit security), and DB Sicherheit (German railway security), Faeser noted a significant 25% decline in violent crime following the introduction of the patrols.
"This is a truly positive indication that our cooperative efforts and close collaboration are yielding excellent results," remarked Faeser.
Faeser acknowledged an initial increase in reported offenses after the Quattro Streifen’s launch in spring 2023, which she attributed to a rise in complaint-based crimes.
"With increased police presence, there will inevitably be an initial surge in reported incidents and charges," explained the Minister.
Hamburg’s Senator for the Interior, Andy Grote (SPD), hailed the program as a success story, garnering interest and potential adoption from other cities.
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, with its daily influx of approximately 550,000 visitors, ranks as Germany’s busiest railway station.
Opposition Raises Concerns, Accuses Faeser of Electioneering
The opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) characterized Faeser’s visit, which included stops at the Miniatur Wunderland (a popular miniature railway exhibit) and Hamburg-Rahlstedt’s central reception facility for refugees, as pure electioneering.
In a statement, CDU top candidate for the upcoming Bürgerschaft (state parliament) election, Dennis Thering, asserted that despite the increased police presence, Hauptbahnhof remained an undesirable place for many.
Thering particularly highlighted the ongoing problems in the adjacent St. Georg district, with its open drug scene and associated criminality.
"The SPD has been repeatedly staging election-oriented PR stunts at Hauptbahnhof, this week with the addition of the Federal Interior Minister," said Thering.
Quattro Streifen: A Collaborative Approach to Crime Prevention
The Quattro Streifen is a multi-agency collaboration aimed at preventing and combating crime in the Hauptbahnhof area. Through increased patrols and surveillance, the initiative seeks to enhance security and deterrence for passengers and commuters.
The Streifen’s effectiveness is attributed to its comprehensive approach, involving various law enforcement agencies working together to address a complex set of security challenges.
Positive Impact and Future Prospects
The positive impact of the Quattro Streifen has been evident in the reduction of violent crime and the increased detection and reporting of various offenses.
The initiative has garnered widespread recognition and may serve as a model for crime prevention strategies in other transportation hubs across Germany.
As Hamburg prepares for both the Bundestag (federal parliament) election and the Bürgerschaft election within the next week, the issue of public safety remains a key topic of political debate.
