Series of fires in Cottbus: Police are investigating possible arson!

Series of fires in Cottbus: Police are investigating possible arson!

Last weekend there was a worrying series of fires in the Cottbus/Spree-Neiße police station area that kept the local authorities on their toes. A total of four fire incidents were recorded between Friday evening and Sunday morning in three different locations, including Welzow, Teichland and Cottbus-Kahren. The police assume that all cases are possible arson and have initiated appropriate investigations. This reports Niederlausitz Current.

It all started with a fire on Friday evening in Welzow, where around 150 square meters of wasteland were in flames. This was followed by a fire on Saturday morning that engulfed around 1,000 square meters of meadow in Teichland. However, the most dramatic incident occurred on Saturday morning in Spremberg, when a bungalow near the Kollerberg burned down completely. The material damage is estimated at around 15,000 euros. In addition, around 200 square meters of forest area in Cottbus-Kahren was set on fire on Sunday morning. Forensic science was on site to secure evidence, but so far there is no information about possible suspects or the background.

Arson as a recurring problem

The situation in Cottbus is not new. Mayor Tobias Schick (SPD) has already announced measures to decisively counter the series of fires. The plan is to create more positions in the law enforcement service of the public order office and in disaster control. In addition, camera surveillance in the city center will be increased to better catch suspected arsonists. RBB24 reports that Cottbus has recently been increasingly affected by suspected arson. A total of 31 cases were reported on containers and 15 on cars, making investigations difficult as evidence is often destroyed by the heat of the fire.

The statistics speak for themselves: According to the Federal Criminal Police Office Arson cases have been trending in Germany for years. Numerous cases were recorded between 2014 and 2024, and local authorities also face the challenge of catching the perpetrators in the act - a difficulty that should not be underestimated. It is often psychologically abnormal people who burn in connection with cars. This problem entails not only legal but also social responsibility, as educational measures are often the focus.

Further incidents and difficulties in combating them

On Friday afternoon, two suspects were noticed in the area of ​​Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse trying to gain access to residential buildings. Police found a 31-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman with a stolen bicycle. After the bike was confiscated, the two were released after an investigation was carried out. On Friday evening there was also an argument at the swimming pool in Welzow, where a 28-year-old man harassed a group of young people. In the ensuing confrontation, both the 28-year-old and a 49-year-old helper were injured.

The large number of fires and clashes cast a worrying light on security in the region and make it clear that a rethink and increased prevention are urgently needed. It remains to be seen whether the city administration's planned measures will be fruitful. The fact is: There is something going on, and not just for the police.