Vandalism along the K18: 27 guide posts torn out! Looking for clues!

Vandalism along the K18: 27 guide posts torn out! Looking for clues!

On the night of June 8, 2025, a disturbing incident occurred on Kreisstraße 18 (K18) near Höxter. Unknown perpetrators tore down 27 guide posts along a stretch of around 1.3 kilometers between the Brenkhausen traffic circle and Höxter-Lütmarsen. The situation was so dangerous that the Höxter police are now investigating dangerous interference with road traffic. Most of the damaged posts were able to be reinstalled close to their original location, which fortunately kept the material damage caused relatively low. Hoexter-News reports that the time of the crime was narrowed down to the night hours up to 6 a.m., which of course makes the investigation particularly challenging.

The police have a clear request to the population; Witnesses who made suspicious observations in the early hours of the morning of the day in question are asked to call 05271/962-0. It is an important step to prevent such vandalism in the future. The incident also highlights the safety challenges in road traffic, which cannot be underestimated these days.

Road safety in focus

A look at the current traffic statistics in the EU shows how serious the consequences of vandalism on road infrastructure can be. Thousands of people lose their lives or are injured every year. According to data from the European Parliament, there were 22,800 road deaths in 2019 alone, a number that has fortunately been declining in recent years. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of road deaths fell by 36 percent, although vandalism like the Höxter incident continues to pose a threat to road safety. The EU statistics show that the average number of road deaths in the EU is 42 per million inhabitants, which shows that any measure to improve the Road safety, no matter how small, is of great importance.

Especially in times of increasing road participation, especially by young people, awareness of safe driving conditions is extremely important. Statistics show that 12 percent of traffic fatalities in 2018 were between the ages of 18 and 24, even though this age group only makes up 8 percent of the population. It is therefore essential that not only road users but also the infrastructure must be kept in good condition. Incidents like the vandalism on the K18 not only damage safety, but also the associated trust of citizens in traffic regulations and safety.

The police investigation in Höxter is continuing at full speed. Quick and preventative measures are required to ensure safety on the roads and to put a stop to such senseless incidents. We appeal to all readers: Pay attention to the streets around Höxter and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Together we can ensure safe driving and take another step towards reliable traffic regulations.