Safe and secure with 110!

The Federal Foreign Office has classified Germany as "safe and secure". However, this doesn't mean that crimes aren't committed here. The police do their very best to prevent crime with specific campaigns and activities.

Blaulicht, Bild: Pressestelle Polizei

When the Christmas Markets re-open in Cologne in late November, Otmar Finkler and his 20 colleagues will be able to see whether they've done a good job. Because when millions of tourists crowd round the mulled wine (Glühwein) stands to enjoy the festive atmosphere, the pickpockets have their high season.

Preventing crimes

Finkler is a senior policeman and is in charge of the "KK61" Crime Prevention Unit at Police Headquarters in Cologne. He has been doing everything he can since 2007 to ensure that "offenders can no longer succeed in their "work". He can draw on his 38 years of crime-solving experience and knows how violent criminals, racists, cyber criminals, thieves, robbers and bike crooks work.

Although there's no miracle cure for preventing all kinds of crimes, the police offer a lot of activities, campaigns and brochures to inform the public and to make people more aware and careful. "To protect yourself against pickpockets you should always carry your wallet or purse under your jacket and as close to your body as possible, and not just in your trouser pockets," advises the expert.

Your number, your bike

Yet, many students are more worried about their bike than their money. Thousands of bikes are stolen every year and disappear never to be seen again. However, that's not quite right, as Otmar Finkler explains: "Most bikes turn up again somewhere in town, because the thieves simply use them to cycle to their destination rather than walk." But, because only very few students know the code number on their bicycle frame, let alone have any photos or other details of the bike, the search for a stolen bike is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

That's why the police issue a so-called "Fahrrad-Pass" (Bike Pass). It fits into any wallet or purse and contains all the key details of the owner's bike. The only way to prepare better for a possible theft is to protect the bike properly. "A spiral cable lock for 3.99 euros is best left at the DIY store," emphasises the expert, because it can easily be broken open." It's better to invest a few euros more and, if possible, to chain both wheels to a bike stand.

110 and "HiHaHo" in Emergencies

While more cyber crime concerns Otmar Finkler, he is pleased to see growth in another area: "People are much more likely to report a crime today, which we see as a positive development. Only then can we respond quickly and prevent anything worse from happening."

The police can be alerted under the Germany-wide emergency phone number 110. "Nobody has to worry about using the number, even if the suspected danger later turns out to be harmless," stresses the police officer and adds: "Look! Act! Get Help!", or in German "Hinsehen! Handeln! Hilfe holen!" – in short "HiHaHo!": the principles of moral courage.

How can I help properly?

To protect yourself and others, the police advise you to follow these rules:

1. Observe and remember facts and features of the offender.
2. Provide help without getting yourself into danger.
3. Call on others to become active and provide direct assistance.
4. Organise professional help and dial 110.
5. Look after the victim(s).
6. Present yourself as a witness.

Tips and Links:
www.polizei-beratung.de: Police tips on preventing and protecting yourself from crimes .
www.aktion-tu-was.de: Police initiative for more moral courage.