“Is Karlsruhe a safe city?” someone asks. I often hear that question. Today, we’re standing in front of Sicherheit und Umwelt. Sicherheit und Umwelt translates to Safety and Environment. It is part of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Let’s find out more about safety in Karlsruhe.
Karlsruhe is generally a safe city. That’s what Mayor Dr. Albert Käuflein says. The police and public order office agree. The city publishes an annual safety report. It reflects daily life challenges. The Corona pandemic also had an impact.
Some crimes decreased during the pandemic. Thefts and burglaries saw a temporary low in 2021. However, numbers rose again in 2022. Violent crimes reached a new high in 2022. There were 2,207 cases compared to 1,949 in 2019 before the pandemic.
The KOD, the municipal law enforcement service, ensures public safety. Their operations decreased. During the pandemic, they focused on Corona measure controls. The KOD still recorded many offenses. They identified people in 3,309 cases of public disturbance. They issued 5,707 fines for violations.
The KOD focuses on monitoring parks and traffic laws. The inner city districts had many complaints. Citizens reported issues with cyclists, pedestrians, and cars. In 2022, 1,563 vehicles were towed. In 2021, only 1,036 were towed due to Corona. Fewer parking tickets were issued in 2022. There were about 132,000 compared to 223,000 in 2018 and 221,000 in 2019. Expired parking meter tickets decreased. Maximilian Lipp attributes this to the new fine catalog. A simple parking violation cost 15 euros until 2021. Now, it costs up to 55 euros.
The KOD and police focused on Werderplatz last year. Police President Caren Denner said they are still watching it. The situation hasn’t worsened, but it’s not relaxed. City councilors want stronger intervention. They want to prevent similar issues in other areas. Friedrichsplatz is one such area of concern.
Karlsruhe has a rich history beyond safety. Markgraf Karl Wilhelm founded Karlsruhe in 1715. It has a unique fan-shaped layout. Streets radiate from the palace. This design makes Karlsruhe easily recognizable. The city grew thanks to generous conditions for new citizens.
In the 18th century, Karlsruhe became a cultural center. Theater, music, and art flourished. The Enlightenment influenced the city. Intellectuals and scholars gathered here. They spread Enlightenment ideas.
Industrialization brought economic changes. Martiensen & Keßler built the first Baden locomotive in 1842. The railway expanded from 1860. The city’s population grew. Karlsruhe became a major city in 1901 with 100,000 residents.
During World War I, Karlsruhe faced attacks due to its factories and railway. The first air raid occurred on June 15, 1915. It killed 29 people. The most devastating attack was on June 22, 1916. About 40 bombs hit the Ettlinger Tor area.
After World War II, Karlsruhe rebuilt quickly. The fan-shaped layout was preserved. Modern residential areas grew on the outskirts.
Since 1950, Karlsruhe has been home to the Federal Court of Justice. It also houses the Federal Prosecutor General. These institutions make Karlsruhe a legal center. People often say, “Go to Karlsruhe” when referring to the highest courts.
So, is Karlsruhe a safe city? The numbers and history suggest it is. The city is working to improve safety even more. As we stand here at Sicherheit und Umwelt, we see a commitment to both. This commitment ensures Karlsruhe remains a great place to live.