Greifswald's toilets in the Gleis 4 shopping center: vandalism causes chaos!

Greifswald's toilets in the Gleis 4 shopping center: vandalism causes chaos!

In the Gleis 4 shopping center in Greifswald there has been a yawning emptiness when it comes to toilets for months. The sanitary facilities are closed due to repeated vandalism, which poses a major challenge for visitors. Loud Baltic Sea newspaper Only the disabled toilets are available to customers. However, these are only accessible until 5 p.m., as they are locked after this time to prevent further vandalism in the evening hours.

The reasons for the closure are complex. Massive contamination and damage in the toilets was found, highlighting the need for closure. Edeka, operator of the shopping center, is working hard to find a solution to make the sanitary facilities safe and permanently accessible again.

Visitor opinions are mixed

Despite these efforts, the mood among visitors is mixed. The criticism in Google reviews is clear: many find the situation to be “unfriendly to customers” and even “unreasonable”. An accompanying feeling of incomprehension arises when the duration of the closure is considered. Visitor Daria Melnik wonders whether using the disabled toilet is even permitted. Patrick Stenzel, on the other hand, cannot emphasize enough the need for toilet facilities for older people and families with children during opening hours.

One of the regular shoppers, Franzi, is less affected and questions the background to the vandalism. The seating area in the shopping center is now also out of use and is being used as storage space. Edeka spokeswoman Gina Liebe also announced that this area will no longer be available to the public as a seating area in the future, but will instead be used as rental space.

Vandalism protection and sanitary facilities

The problem of vandalism in public toilets is not new. How Toilettech explains, special materials and constructions can help to better protect sanitary facilities against destruction. External areas are often equipped with doors and flaps made of durable steel or aluminum. Technical innovations such as recessed flushing systems and inaccessible sinks also help minimize vandalism.

The use of robust materials such as anodized aluminum slats and anti-graffiti coatings for walls not only provide protection but also make cleaning and maintenance easier. The use of electronic fittings, according to information from HEWI, could also represent a useful preventive measure. Not only are these faucets robust, but they also allow for easy control over water consumption, which can be beneficial in many high-traffic plumbing areas.

While Edeka is working on solutions, it remains to be seen how quickly and sustainably the toilet situation on platform 4 can be improved. Visitors primarily want uncomplicated and safe use of the sanitary facilities - whether for shopping trips or just for a short visit.