Columbusplatz in Munich: Citizens demand measures against drug scenes

Columbusplatz in Munich: Citizens demand measures against drug scenes

Kolumbusplatz in Munich has become a real hotspot for drinking and drug scenes for about a decade. Residents report a worrying increase in violence and drug-related crime, which is severely impacting the quality of life in the area. In particular, the nearby men's dormitory seems to have a decisive influence on the situation at the site, which has been providing accommodation and social care for over 70 years. Around 300 photos document the precarious situation, which is becoming increasingly severe. Just recently, local residents documented a violent incident in which a drunk man used a glass bottle to injure another, which raises alarm bells! Abendzeitung reports that ...

A new Späti near the subway station is clearly making the situation worse. With opening hours until 11 p.m., it attracts many drink-loving guests, which often lead to arguments. Racist insults, bullying and public drug use are just some of the problems that residents face. The Au-Haidhausen district committee has already forwarded the concern to the police headquarters and is discussing options, such as a ban on alcohol, to make Columbus Square safer.

Special challenges at Columbusplatz

The concerns of residents are diverse. For them, Columbus Square is anything but a place of relaxation. Children have already found syringes nearby, causing additional concern. The men's dormitory on Pilgersheimer Straße is often suspected to be the origin of the problems, although the management of the home firmly denies any connection to the incidents. Local politicians see the situation as serious, but the road to a solution appears to be rocky and long. Toilets are becoming fewer and fewer and the ones at subway stops could soon become chargeable. A circumstance that only fuels the problems Merkur shows the difficulties.

The first measures were already initiated at the most recent February meeting of the district committee. For example, the management of the men's dormitory should be encouraged to actively address the problems. The involvement of the All-Party Conflict Management in Munich (AKIM) could also help to prevent future conflicts. It was also decided that solutions should be developed together in the event of increasing violence and drug-related crime.

Statistical background on crime in Munich

The police crime statistics, which record all crimes and misdemeanors, show a clear trend: drug-related crimes have increased in the city. Nevertheless, Columbus Square remains a particularly worrying place that has been the focus of investigators in recent years. The numbers speak for themselves, and the district is under pressure to find solutions. Every crime that becomes known to the police is recorded as an individual case, regardless of the number of people injured, which does not make the problems any less, but only more vivid City of Munich informs about the security situation.

However, the residents agree: the situation must change before Columbus Square mutates into an uncontrollable place for violence and crime. This requires more than just the occasional placement of benches or the removal of the red plastic seats that are considered a place for “wild camping.” A holistic approach that involves all relevant actors is required to ensure safety and enjoyment in this public space in the long term.