🚨 In times of crisis, the thin threads of civilization sometimes break.
Looting, mobbing, peer pressure – often worse than the disaster itself.
Community and clear boundaries are the best protection.
1. Psychology of Crises and Violence
- Panic: Leads to irrational decisions. Calm people survive.
- Group mentality: People in groups do things they would never do alone.
- Disaster tourism: Some come only to loot or take photos.
- Neighborhood help: Community protects. Loners are vulnerable.
2. Recognizing Mobbing and Looting
- Strangers circling the house/area, observing movements
- Spreading unfounded rumors ("The river is rising!"), to create panic
- Pressure on individuals: "Give us your water/food, we are more!"
- Intimidation: Loud noises, spotlights, groups in front of the house
- Threat of violence: "If you don't give, we'll take it."
3. Defense Strategies
3.1 Prevention
- Build community: Know neighbors, talk regularly, build trust
- Watch duty: Rotation: Someone is always awake, especially at night
- Hide supplies: Not visible. Multiple storage locations.
- Privacy screen: Darken windows, no lights outward, minimize noise
- Communication: Radio (PMR/CB), signal systems (whistle = alarm)
3.2 Confrontation
- Never alone: Always appear in a group. Individuals are vulnerable.
- Appear confident: Body language, voice, eye contact. Act like a victim = become a victim.
- Set boundaries: Clear, loud, without aggression: "There is nothing here. Move on."
- De-escalation: Don't provoke. Don't scream. Don't threaten. Calm, firm, repeat.
- Share (strategically): Giving a small amount can avoid escalation ("Here, take this, but then go.").
- Alarm: Whistle, noise, light. Attracts witnesses.
4. Legal Basics
- Self-defense (§ 32 StGB): Defense against unlawful attacks on body/life/freedom/property.
- Necessity (§ 34 StGB): Protection of higher-value goods (Life > Property).
- Weapons: Firearms, knives, batons are NOT allowed for defense (except gun license).
- Everyday objects: Umbrella, flashlight, keys = allowed.
- Important: Always flight before confrontation. Life > Property.
5. Checklist: Mobbing Defense
- ☐ Neighborhood help organized (contact list, meeting point)
- ☐ Watch duty rotation agreed
- ☐ Radios (PMR/CB) for quick alarm
- ☐ Whistle (alarm signal)
- ☐ Supplies hidden, multiple storage locations
- ☐ Windows can be darkened (foil, blankets)
- ☐ Pepper spray legally acquired and ready
- ☐ Emergency call 112 (only for acute life-threatening situations)
- ☐ Escape route: Car always fueled, Go-Bag ready