Rioters cause chaos in Itzehoe: residents injured!

Rioters cause chaos in Itzehoe: residents injured!

In the tranquil town of Itzehoe, in the Steinburg district, a frightening incident occurred on June 27, 2025, which caused excitement among residents. A group of five people rioted on Poststrasse, not only damaging warning beacons but also using various objects. The incident reached its climax when residents tried to calm the rioters but were met with insults and even physical attacks. As a result, four residents had to be treated for respiratory irritation and skin abrasions, and some even suffered more serious injuries. The police authorities on site, loudly NDR, took the incidents seriously and announced that they would hold the rioters accountable.

The age structure of the rioters speaks volumes: They were between 13 and 22 years old, which raises questions about youth crime. Police spokesman Björn Loop confirmed that the group was already known to the police. The underage rioters were picked up by their legal guardians, while the young people of criminal responsibility face charges of grievous bodily harm, insults and damage to property. The criminal police have already started investigations and are calling on witnesses to come forward.

A look at juvenile crime in Germany

The incident in Itzehoe is part of a worrying trend: youth crime in Germany reached a peak in 2024 with around 13,800 cases, more than twice as high as in 2016. It seems as if not only the number of young suspects is increasing, but the seriousness of the offenses is also increasing. Psychological stress caused by the Corona measures as well as risk factors among young people seeking protection are highlighted by experts as possible causes for these developments. Loud Statista Almost three quarters of the young suspects are male, although it is clear that traditional role models and hormonal circumstances could play a role here.

Although the total number of young suspects fell by around 6 percent in 2024, the increase in serious crimes raises questions about the adequacy of the existing youth criminal law. Measures such as tougher sanctions or a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility are just as controversially discussed as the need for greater prevention through child and youth welfare.

Another incident in Itzehoe

But the riot on Poststrasse is not the only incident that has dominated the headlines in recent months. A similar incident occurred on October 27, 2023, when a 37-year-old man of no fixed address rioted near a supermarket and in a fast food restaurant. Here too, the police were quickly on site, caught the man and took him into custody for assaulting law enforcement officers and other offenses. In this context, it should be mentioned that police officers were not injured during the operation, which underlines the professionalism of the emergency services. Loud Press portal the man should spend a night in the detention cell.

The increase in violence among young people and the associated incidents in Itzehoe clearly shows that there is a need for action. Effective prevention and support for young people could be the key to avoiding such incidents in the future.