Police sound the alarm: rockers meet in East Frisia – weapons seized!

Police sound the alarm: rockers meet in East Frisia – weapons seized!

Last weekend in East Frisia, more precisely in Halbemond, hundreds of members of the rocker group panel MC gathered for a meeting lasting several days. The police did not remain idle and implemented an extensive control program to ensure security and prevent any possible emerging crimes. [n-tv] reports that more than 4,000 people and around 1,500 vehicles were checked as part of these measures.

The checks were entirely peaceful and were part of the police's strategic zero-tolerance policy against rocker crime. Several dangerous items were seized, including a machete and an axe. Based on these incidents, several criminal proceedings were initiated, particularly for violations of the weapons law. [ndr] added that the meeting took place at the Motodrom, a motorcycle speedway racetrack, which underlines the rockers' connection to motorcycle racing culture.

Safety in focus

The police were on duty with a large contingent and specifically closed Nadörster Straße near the venue in order to control arriving traffic. Riot police officers were also on site. The control measures were not only limited to the day of arrival, but were carried out throughout the entire meeting. Alcohol and drug testing was also part of the security strategy to monitor the departure of the estimated 1,500 participants on Sunday evening.

According to the State Criminal Police Office in Hanover, dozens of rocker groups in Lower Saxony are under constant surveillance, and experience shows that internationally active motorcycle clubs are often associated with serious crimes such as drug trafficking. The rocker group Panel MC is considered one of the most important clubs in Germany, with 70 local groups (chapters) spread across the country. [bka.de] highlights that such groups are often associated with violent crime and specific crimes, which makes the situation even more complex.

Rocker crime in detail

Rocker groups, like the MC committee, are characterized by a hierarchical structure and maintain close personal ties among their members. Adequate regulations and a low willingness to cooperate with the authorities make investigative work more difficult. The number of unreported cases of rocker crime remains high because a code of conduct prevents members from cooperating with investigative authorities. A survey by the BKA shows that most crimes committed in these circles involve violent crimes, which poses a significant security risk. The police therefore follow a clear line and do not tolerate lawless spaces.

Overall, the issue of rocker crime and the security systems surrounding such meetings remain a challenge that affects not only the authorities, but also society as a whole. The police's measures may bring some relief in the short term, but the problem remains and continues to put Lower Saxony's security forces under pressure.

The events in East Frisia are further evidence of the important role that the police play in the fight against rocker crime and the need to remain continually vigilant.