Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) – After a series of crimes and tumult offenses, the city of Düsseldorf opened a joint contact point for the police and public order office on the banks of the Rhine. The city announced that the number of disruptors and violent people has increased massively in the past two years.

Criminal offenses had repeatedly occurred on the banks of the Rhine. Public order office employees and the police should now show their presence together in the problematic areas. Street workers have also been there for six weeks with stab-proof protective vests, trying to settle disputes and de-escalate before the situation escalates.

“The old town is and will remain a place where there is a lot going on and therefore a lot is happening,” said NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU). Since the old town was declared a no-arms zone last December, 65 knives and 24 other weapons have been seized in almost 3,000 checks.

Mayor Stephan Keller (CDU) and Reul emphasized that they believe in the success of the joint contact point. This is a bridgehead and retreat for the emergency services.