Many people express skepticism towards the efficiency of designated areas for knife control. - A significant number of individuals question the efficacy of areas devoid of knives.
In Baden-Württemberg, a majority of residents question the effectiveness of knife ban zones in preventing knife attacks, as per a poll conducted by Insa on behalf of the AfD faction. The survey, obtained by the German Press Agency, indicated that 62% of respondents view knife ban zones as inadequate solutions to curb knife attacks.
Of these respondents, 31% believe the zones offer no help, while another 31% regard them as marginally helpful. On the other hand, only 13% of Baden-Württemberg residents hold a conviction in the zones’ ability to effectively prevent knife attacks.
Interestingly, AfD supporters exhibit particular skepticism towards these zones, with nearly 80% expressing doubt in their efficiency. Green party supporters, in contrast, have more faith in the measure, with only 49% deeming it unsuitable.
The survey, comprising 1,000 Baden-Württemberg residents aged 18 and above, also highlights a rise in knife-related crimes. The latest crime statistics demonstrate a 3.2% increase in knife attacks in public spaces, amounting to approximately 1,300 incidents in 2024. threats, dangerous bodily harm, robberies, and murder or manslaughter are among the reported offenses. Notably, the number of suspects in these incidents also saw a 7.3% increase in 2024, reaching approximately 1,240 individuals.
To tackle this rise in attacks, several major cities have established zones where weapon and knife possession is forbidden. These zones exist in Mannheim, Stuttgart, Heilbronn, Heidelberg, and Ulm. Under the Weapons Act, it is illegal to carry firearms, imitation weapons, bladed weapons, or electroshock weapons in any case.
Additionally, Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) proposed an ordinance in April restricting knife and weapon carriage on buses and trains in Baden-Württemberg.
In this context, it's essential to recognize that knife attacks extend beyond simple physical assault with a knife. Threats with knives are now categorized as attacks in statistics. The utility of knife ban zones varies based on enforcement and public opinion, which is subject to factors like safety concerns, local crime trends, and trust in law enforcement.
The findings of the survey conducted by Insa on behalf of the AfD faction reveal that a significant portion of Baden-Württemberg residents are skeptical about the effectiveness of knife ban zones in preventing knife attacks, with 31% viewing them as offering no help and another 31% considering them marginally helpful. This skepticism is particularly noticeable among AfD supporters, with nearly 80% expressing doubt in their efficiency.
In light of the rising number of knife-related crimes, including threats, dangerous bodily harm, robberies, and murder or manslaughter, and the increase in suspects in these incidents, it is crucial to consider the role of policy-and-legislation, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice in addressing this issue. This could include reevaluating existing policies such as knife ban zones and exploring new legislation to combat these crimes effectively.
