Young robbers in Bremen: Poverty and escape turn into crime

Young robbers in Bremen: Poverty and escape turn into crime

When we talk about the current challenges in Cologne and beyond, we repeatedly find points of contact between migration and crime. A particularly revealing case comes from Bremen, where reporter János Kereszti spent a year examining the world of the so-called “young robbers”. This group, made up of young migrants, robs people to get valuables such as gold chains, watches and cell phones. Kereszti describes how Mohamed (20) and Jawad (19), both of North African origin, came to Europe to flee poverty and a lack of prospects in their home countries and became criminals there, including for theft and attempted grievous bodily harm. Both of them fared so badly that they ultimately had to go to prison, which they don't hide in their stories.

After Mohamed was recently released from prison, Kereszti wanted to tell her story and explore the background to the crimes described. The two young men, who took long journeys through Europe without their parents, see themselves partly as victims, but also admit their crimes. Despite their shocking impact, it is remarkable how strong the need to be heard is.

Backgrounds and triggers

A small proportion of migrants actually commit crimes, but Kereszti's research shows that many factors lead to their behavior. According to the findings of the Federal Agency for Civic Education, young people with a migrant background often have a higher tendency to commit crime, but this should not be seen as the sole problem of migrants. A key point here is that living conditions, such as poverty and stressful social contexts, have a major influence on behavior.

An increase in crime among local and immigrant young people has been observed, particularly since 2022. Violent crime, which is often linked to conflicts in shared accommodation among refugees, is also an important aspect of the debate. But the need for better equipment in schools and daycare centers is also essential in order to once again focus on the integration of these children and to prevent them from pursuing delinquent lives.

Public perception and statistics

Public fears about integration and security are heightened by reports of crimes committed by immigrants. Police crime statistics show that migrants are overrepresented, but this can also be attributed to numerous demographic factors. What is interesting is that adults among migrants who have access to the labor market rarely commit crimes. This finding suggests that with better prospects, the risk of falling into crime decreases.

Statistically speaking, immigrants make up around 8.8% of suspects, although their share of the population is around 4%. The concept of youth crime, particularly among 12 to 15 year olds, has increased in recent years and shows that this issue needs to be urgently addressed.

Overall, the fact that overall crime in Germany has been stable or declining since 2019, despite the above-mentioned increases in some areas, is a positive sign. However, it remains to be hoped that the integration and improvement of the living conditions of migrants will be further promoted in order not only to do justice to individual fates like those of Mohamed and Jawad, but also to give society as a whole a clear sign of hope.

Internal security is not just a question of laws and police, but also of social conditions, education and the creation of perspectives. This concerns us all.