The GA team had asked readers to name dark and eerie corners in Beuel. The list names places like the Bröltalbahnweg, the pedestrian underpass between Königswinterer Straße and Obere Wilhelmstraße, and also the path between the line 66 near Vilich Müldorf and the Park at the Mehlem’sche Haus.

Two locations which are not really very dark but were named often in the readers’ survey have been checked out by the editorial team together with self-defence coach Michael Schindewolf: The Ramersdorf stop and the Beuel city hall square.

According to the police there are no noticeable amounts of crime or dangerous situations arising there. But Schindewolf has an eye for anxiety-inducing spaces. And he knows which safety precautions everybody can learn about.

It’s 6pm, at the Ramersdorf stop: Self-defence coach Michael Schindewolf has positioned himself just outside the cone of light of the street lamp. He watches the scene, because he wants to explain, why the stop appears eerie to passengers and is avoided after dark. The building there is illuminated from all around, so the waiting passengers automatically move into the light. Schindewolf discourages this. „Everybody in the shadows can check me out in the light without me noticing him. It is better to wait just outside the light sources“, he says.

„The area around the building is confusing looking and is off the main road“, he judges the surroundings. In his opinion the stop set-up is a spot for threat scenarios, despite not showing up as dangerous in the police statistics. But Schindewolf points out the poor visibility in long under paths and the escalator leading into a narrow passage down to the platform. „In case of a threat there is no possibility to escape. As a woman I wouldn’t like to be out and about on my own here at night.“ With CCTV cameras at the underground stops, the main problem is the human factor: „Is somebody watching the exact moment when something is happening?“ He doesn’t want to frighten anybody. He rather wants people to learn: „Be aware what’s happening around you.“

Schindewolf approaches a young man waiting for a bus. He is wearing earplugs, looking at his mobile and does not notice how close Schindewolf is standing beside him. „Everybody stands alone, often distracted by their mobile phone. That’s not good.“ Before an attacker acts - he watches the people. The victim gets chosen also under the surprise aspect. „Resource-focused culprits, like pickpockets for example, don’t want to wrestle with their victim for any length of time, but rather disappear quickly with their swag.“ Does that mean, you should watch for those „lurkers“? „If you are on guard and signalling this, you are most likely not appearing like a typical victim.“

Yet, passers-by might get into precarious situations. Consider this scenario: A group of people is hanging out by the stop Uni/Markt every day. They have picked this location as their territory. „It is practically their living room. Meaning, everybody who passes it, is considered annoying and gets bullied. The question ‚What do you want?‘ can add fuel to the fire, provokes more aggression. The group feels strong as a group“, Schindewolf explains. „So, no matter what they say, stay composed, walk on.“ A female friend of his was verbally attacked once and her husband of course wanted to stand up for her. „But that’s exactly what that group wanted. The situation escalated.“ A traumatic experience for the couple. The question who was right is not one of priority for Schindewolf in a threatening situation, but the question how to protect yourself. „Don’t act the hero.“ His advice: „Know the dangers - avoid the dangers.“ And stay well clear of groups like that. Schindewolf noticed that the amount of gang-type groups who claim a territory as „theirs“ seems to increase all the time. But also that big, strong men are becoming targets for attacks more and more. Basically: To fight them to the ground, means more respect in the group. But the victim usually doesn’t know how many attackers he is dealing with.

Safety precautions: Darkness is connected to fear for many people. But it can protect you as well. Never should you force yourself to act against your fears. Schindewolf: „Common sense always helps and the question: Do I really have to do this to myself? For example walking straight through a group of drunks, even if that is the direct path.“ Passengers should keep close to the taxi rank at the back of the building. „The spot lights illuminate the site. And taxi drivers have radio communication and can call for help quickly.“ When walking you should automatically look over your shoulder, also on stairs and train platforms. If you have an uneasy feeling, stand closer to other people and don’t hesitate to approach passers-by. Clearly and loudly: Help me!"

7pm, city hall square Beuel: Despite a still lively Friedrich-Breuer-Straße, the city hall square looks empty, like an island. Only few pedestrians use the connection to the Konrad-Adenauer-Platz. At the rearward Sankt Augustiner Straße, there is also still a lot of traffic. But the hustle and bustle does not expand onto the square. „Who sees me if I am attacked here?“ asks Schindewolf.

After a good ten minutes on the city hall square, he points to a young guy with a white sweatshirt and a staggering man who stops in front of the city hall steps with a bag full of bottles. He appears to be drunk. „Everybody has a different idea of a lovely evening“, says Schindewolf. In the meantime the young guy crosses the square for the third time, now smoking a joint. The smell is unmistakable.

„I think this square has a very different problem“, says Schindewolf. „There are drug dealers around.“ This is confirmed by the owner of a restaurant nearby. He does not want to be named because he is afraid. For the trade, customers get provided with GPS coordinates. „Another reason to use the more lively streets after dark.“

Possible self-defence: „If you get attacked, you don’t have to hesitate to hit out at the attacker with everything you got. Keys, cans, pens, bags. Also with a hot drink if needs be“, suggests Schindewold. And what about pepper spray? „In stressful situations this is difficult to handle.“ Schindewild always carries a small but strong torch. „With that I blind the attacker to gain time to run away.“

(Original text: Jutta Specht. Translation: Mareike Graepel)