Potsdam: Investigation into 45 suspects following youth violence wave
Police in Potsdam are now investigating 45 suspects in connection with a series of violent offences committed by youth groups. Interior Minister Redmann sees the increased number as a success of intensified investigative work.
Investigation proceedings against 45 suspects
According to Interior Minister Jan Redmann (CDU), investigations following several cases of youth violence in Potsdam are directed against 45 suspects, as welt.de reports. The figure is significantly higher than the 25 people Redmann cited in October. The minister attributes the increased number to more victims and relatives filing reports, which is advancing the investigative work.
"Anyone affected by criminal offences or who could provide information should contact the police," Redmann appealed in an Instagram post. The authorities were working more closely together to prevent criminal structures from becoming entrenched. Five people are already in pre-trial detention.
According to the minister, the suspected youths are aged between 13 and 21 and come primarily from Syria and Chechnya, with some also from Germany. Most of them have a history of multiple police contacts. Since 2024, youth groups with migrant backgrounds had become increasingly noticeable to police in Potsdam.
An assault on Thursday evening illustrates the pattern of recent incidents: a 15-year-old was asked for e-cigarettes by a group of six to eight youths in the shopping centre at the main railway station. A youth subsequently searched his pockets and hit him in the face. The boy sustained no visible injuries but is missing a ticket. Police identified a 16-year-old as a suspect and are examining whether the case is connected to other criminal offences.
Source: Google News DE — Crime (de)