Vandalism in Saxony-Anhalt: Cities are fighting against graffiti flood

Vandalism in Saxony-Anhalt: Cities are fighting against graffiti flood

vandalism and its effects on the municipalities in Saxony-Anhalt

In the cities of Saxony-Anhalt, a worrying trend can be observed: illegal graffiti and stickers, especially in connection with football clubs, are increasing. This form of vandalism has not only aesthetic, but also economic effects on the affected communities that have difficulty tacking against these acts.

The background of vandalism

The cities of Magdeburg, Stendal, Oschersleben and many more are increasingly faced with night stories. Fans of the 1st FC Magdeburg show their affection through graffiti and stickers on house walls, traffic signs and other public areas. However, this creative form of expression often exceeds the border to illegal action, which has significant consequences for the communities.

public toilets as the goal of rioters

In addition to the illegal street art, public institutions are often the goal of vandalism. In Stendal, the public toilet on Winckelmannplatz was closed after the door was deliberately destroyed. Such incidents lead to not inconsiderable financial burdens: the graffiti removal of public toilets alone will cost the city at least 10,000 euros this year. Magdeburg is faced with similar challenges where the toilet on Nicolaiplatz was damaged so badly that it has to be demolished. In Wittenberg, too, repairs must be carried out regularly on broken -down mint machines, and the costs amount to 6,000 to 7,000 euros annually. The district of Anhalt-Bitterfeld reports of willful constipation and thefts, which each require a further 25,000 euros annually for maintenance work.

fight against vandalism

In the municipalities concerned, there are different approaches to combat vandalism. Cities like Stendal have set their efforts to remove stickers because the repetition of this work is not economically portable. Only the stickers that are essential for traffic safety or public order are removed here. Oschersleben has reacted by expanding the camera monitoring around the youth center, which could possibly help identify and deter the perpetrators.

collaboration with the fan scene

In order to minimize damage in the future, the city of Magdeburg actively is looking for talking to the fan scene and the 1. FC Magdeburg. Dialogue and possibly through charitable actions could create a basis to find a better understanding of the limits of fan love and law. The results of these efforts are still unclear, but the approach shows that the municipalities are willing to look for innovative solutions.

the social relevance

The increasing number of vandalism and property damage not only raises questions about public security, but also shows how important it is to create a space for creative expressions, which at the same time respects the laws and property of others. The challenge for the cities is to find balance between the promotion of cultural expression and the protection of public infrastructure. The effects are not only financial in nature, but also affect community coexistence, since public spaces are understood as part of urban life.

- Nag