Erfurt is setting up Thuringia's first 24/7 surveillance on the Anger!

Erfurt is setting up Thuringia's first 24/7 surveillance on the Anger!

A new monitoring system has been put into operation on the Erfurt Anger. A total of twelve cameras were installed on Friday afternoon to monitor the popular square around the clock. This measure was taken to address the worrying crime rate, which includes over 1,000 crimes per year such as theft, robbery and drug-related crimes. This makes the Erfurter Anger the first place in Thuringia with continuous video surveillance. This technology is part of a broader approach to fighting crime that is becoming increasingly popular in many cities in Germany. According to the BfDI, many cities and public transport companies rely on video surveillance to ensure security and prevent crimes.

However, video surveillance also raises questions about the impact on people's fundamental right to informational self-determination. The technology is often linked to rising crime, while actual crime rates in Germany have fallen over the past four years. Whether these measures actually increase citizens' sense of security remains questionable, as many acts of violence occur impulsively and video material is usually only evaluated afterwards.

Child protection concept for a safe future

In light of the current challenges in the area of ​​child protection, the Thuringian carnival clubs have presented a new concept. The aim is not only to create a safe environment for children and young people, but also to define clear rules of conduct and responsibilities. The Child Protection Thuringia emphasizes that children and young people in Germany become victims of violence every day and it is important to counter these dangers at an early stage.

The regional association is also planning training for carers to make them aware of possible risks. The responsibility for protecting children is thus clearly placed at the center. Social participation is crucial to take a step forward together and improve the protection of the youngest.

Diverse topics in Thuringia

Beyond video surveillance and child protection, there are other interesting developments in Thuringia. The old synagogue in Erfurt was saved from the threat of closure by withdrawing employees from other cultural areas, which was very well received in the cultural landscape. Time does not stop at the changes in tourism either: the Coburg-Rennsteig region has recorded an increase in the number of overnight stays by an impressive 30% in the last ten years. This is remarkable, especially after the losses during the Corona years.

In addition, the region is also struggling with ecological challenges. The beaver population has tripled as a result of the protection of these animals, which in turn led to damages amounting to around 55,000 euros. And last but not least, education in Thuringia is on a positive path: ninth graders perform better in natural sciences than the national average.

Overall, it is clear that a lot is happening in Thuringia in terms of both security and education. The coming weeks and months will show how these developments will continue to unfold and what impact they will have on citizens' quality of life.