Chaos in the Phoenix district: drugs, violence and the authorities in the crossfire!

Chaos in the Phoenix district: drugs, violence and the authorities in the crossfire!

In the heart of Hamburg, in the Phoenix district, the problems are large and complex. Known for its high drug trade, rent extortion, illegal gambling and acts of violence, the district is repeatedly the scene of raids and controls. The city and district politics face a huge challenge to improve the situation and offer residents a more livable environment. A Marlies Kurtz kiosk is often cited as a symbol of the neighborhood's ambivalences: inviting, but with strong security measures that reflect the reality that prevails in this district. Kurtz has been running her kiosk for 35 years and has had countless experiences of violence during this time, which are often part of everyday life.

There have been repeated acts of violence in recent years, including mass brawls and physical injuries. According to current data, about 9,500 people live in the Phoenix area, 31% of whom are under 18 years old. A remarkable proportion of 86% have a migrant background, and almost a quarter of residents rely on government support. The social problems are serious, which is also reflected in the poor quality of living and the frequent overcrowding of the houses. The classroom image shown here is often characterized by former workers' settlements, which have been considered a redevelopment area since 2005. Since then, positive developments have largely failed to materialize and many families are not even officially registered.

Crackdown on illegal activities

On Monday evening, police conducted an extensive raid in the Phoenix area that lasted from 6 to 9 p.m. The aim was to take action against violence, illegal gambling and drug crimes. A total of eight bars were searched, including bars and cultural associations, spread across Wilstorfer Straße, Baererstraße, Eddelbüttelstraße and Reeseberg. The absence of life on the streets during the raid testified to the increased police presence, the need for which authorities stressed. More than 80 people were checked, eleven criminal charges were filed and two slot machines and a three-figure amount of cash were confiscated. A cultural club had to be closed due to violations, while illegal residential use was found in a pub.

However, the increased controls also left their mark: innkeepers reported losses in sales due to the constant controls and negative reporting. There were temporary traffic closures on Wilstorfer Straße, which led to diversions and absolute traffic chaos. These measures are part of an overarching strategy; the police have stepped up their efforts to ensure more security and order in the district.

Social challenges

One of the biggest challenges in the Phoenix area remains trust in public agencies. According to residents, this trust is being shaken by high rents and precarious housing conditions, which can lead to great despair. For many, the family is the most important caregiver, while contact with authorities is often reduced to a minimum. The children's and youth organization “Arche” takes on important tasks by offering support for children and focusing on relationship work. Nevertheless, these initiatives face the hurdle of different understandings of education within families, which also promotes school absenteeism.

The problem is further exacerbated by the high number of migrants who are particularly affected by social disadvantages. These circumstances promote crime and other social problems. Although there is no direct connection between origin and crime, socioeconomic burdens and experiences of violence play a decisive role. The comparative figures in Germany also show that despite an increase in the foreign population of over 70%, the number of crimes fell overall, which makes it clear that migration does not necessarily lead to more crime.

The Phoenix neighborhood's story could serve as an example for other neighborhoods facing similar challenges. The approaches of the city administration and civil society organizations will be decisive in determining whether it is possible to alleviate the serious social problems and create a better living environment for the residents. The future of the district depends heavily on the perspective of its residents and their active involvement in solving their problems.