Hanau's city centre transforms into a safer, more welcoming space for all
A recent study has revealed that Hanau's city centre is now seen as safer by residents and visitors. The improvements come after a series of measures, including better lighting, stricter policing, and cleaner streets. Isabelle Hemsley, the city's Head of Public Order, has confirmed that these efforts are working as intended.
The 'Location Monitor 2026' report by the German Retail Association highlights how safety and order help make city centres more appealing. Hanau's approach mirrors similar steps taken in other German cities, where surveillance and public order crackdowns have become more common.
The survey found that 78% of people feel safe in Hanau's city centre. Good lighting and tough action against public order offences were the top reasons, with 94% and 93% of respondents praising these measures respectively. In contrast, rowdy groups and suspicious individuals were the biggest concerns, with 91% and 89% of people saying these factors made them feel less secure.
Hemsley has pushed for a mix of stricter rules and urban improvements. Her initiatives include Germany's first ban on nitrous oxide, knife-restricted zones, and body cameras for municipal police. She is also focusing on urban planning, such as filling empty shopfronts, upgrading lighting, and tackling neglected areas. Other cities have adopted similar tactics. Frankfurt am Main uses AI-supported video surveillance in its Bahnhofsviertel district, while Darmstadt has had cameras on Luisenplatz since 2021. Raunheim is also planning modern surveillance for its Sportpark area. These measures reflect a wider trend of using technology and stricter enforcement to boost safety in public spaces. The study underlines that busy shops, clean streets, and visible police all help create a sense of security. Neglected areas and vacant buildings, however, make people feel uneasy. Hemsley's approach combines law enforcement with urban development to address both issues at once.
Hanau's efforts have led to a noticeable rise in public confidence, with most visitors now feeling safe in the city centre. The success of its measures aligns with broader trends in German cities, where surveillance and stricter policing are becoming standard.
Hemsley's integrated strategy—covering safety, order, and urban planning—has set an example for other local authorities. The results suggest that well-maintained, well-lit, and well-patrolled areas play a key role in making city centres more welcoming.
