A knife attack here, a knife murder there – in this security situation, more and more Europeans are naturally asking themselves how they can increase their chances of survival in the event of a violent crime. eXXpress’s German colleagues at Schwäbische Zeitung asked police in Ravensburg how victims of knife attacks should best behave.
Here’s the executive’s answer: “In general: The demeanor is confident. Yell at the offender, face the offender and maintain distance. Bystanders may become aware of the situation and run to help.
But why should a knife-wielding criminal be arrested? A police spokeswoman explains: “This is particularly important. This makes it clear to everyone that he is a stranger and not a family member or friend. As soon as possible, the victim or witness should call 911 and contact the police.
More recently, an unknown man threatened a woman and her child with a knife in Bad Waldsee (de) and waved the knife in front of them. The mother kicked the man in the shin and ran away with her child in her arms. It was risky, but in this case it saved the day.
Knife attacks are a frequent occurrence in Vienna, and there was even a shocking knife murder at the Jägerstrasse subway station. A number of suspected criminals have now been identified in this horrific crime during access to the metro. It is unlikely that the victim, whose arms and both lower legs were amputated, would have been helped by the criminals.
In Vienna alone there were 959 violent crimes last year in which stabbing weapons were used. According to police statistics, 1,000 such crimes were committed in 2016.
