A new police video surveillance system went into operation in Schweinfurt city centre at the beginning of March 2026. The location is in the Hadergasse/Wolfsgasse area, a section of the city centre that has seen an increase in crime in recent years. Bavaria’s State Secretary for the Interior, Sandro Kirchner, provided information on site about the objectives, legal basis and practical implementation of the measure.
The system is initially planned to remain in place for at least six months and is part of the Bavarian initiative ‘Offensive Sichere Innenstädte’ (Offensive for Safe City Centres). The aim is to further improve the security situation, reduce crime and at the same time strengthen the population’s sense of security.
Rising crime figures as the trigger
The decision to install video surveillance is based on the development of crime figures in recent years. In the areas relevant to the measure, Hadergasse and Wolfsgasse, the number of registered crimes rose significantly within five years – from 146 to 322 cases. The increase in assaults and threats was particularly striking.
Against this backdrop, the police and the city had already implemented a series of measures to counteract this development. These included an increased police presence, additional support from the riot police, and joint patrols by the police, security guards and municipal law enforcement officers. At the same time, proceedings were accelerated in close coordination with the public prosecutor’s office.
According to the authorities, these measures led to a stabilisation of the security situation in Schweinfurt city centre.
Additional measures in public spaces
In addition to police measures, regulatory and social initiatives were also implemented. Since March 2025, a ban on alcohol, cannabis and weapons has been in force in the city centre. The aim of this regulation is to reduce conflict situations in public spaces.
In addition, the ‘Stadthelfer’ (city helper) project was launched with the support of the federal programme ‘Demokratie leben!’ (Live Democracy!). Volunteer supporters are present in public spaces, seeking dialogue with citizens and promoting respectful coexistence. At the same time, they aim to strengthen the sense of security and act as low-threshold contact persons in everyday life.
Video surveillance as part of modern police work
The newly installed video surveillance system complements these existing measures. According to the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior, the use of cameras in crime-ridden areas has been part of the police’s arsenal for several years.
Video surveillance can have a preventive effect by deterring potential offenders. It also facilitates the investigation of crimes, as footage can provide important clues for investigations. At the same time, it enables more efficient use of police resources, as certain areas can be continuously monitored without the need for permanent personnel on site.
Holger Baumbach, Deputy Police President of the Lower Franconia Police Headquarters, emphasised the operational significance of the measure in this context. The new system improves the police’s responsiveness and supports the emergency services on site. At the same time, it can speed up investigations and contribute to further stabilising the security situation.
Combination of different security approaches
Video surveillance in Schweinfurt is thus part of a comprehensive package of measures that combines police presence, regulatory provisions and social initiatives. The aim of this approach is to effectively reduce crime in public spaces while strengthening the population’s subjective sense of security.
The experiences from the initial six-month trial phase will then be evaluated. On this basis, a decision will be made as to whether and to what extent video surveillance will remain a permanent part of the security strategy for Schweinfurt city centre.
