Jena, July 16, 2026 – Yesterday afternoon, an incident of ‘upskirting’ occurred at the ‘Neue Mitte’ shopping center in Jena. An unidentified man secretly took photos under the skirt of a 25-year-old woman and fled after being confronted directly.
- Crime scene: Einkaufszentrum Neue Mitte, Leutragraben, Jena (View on Google Maps)
- Time of incident: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, afternoon
- Investigation: Violation of the intimate sphere through image recordings pursuant to § 184k of the German Criminal Code (StGB)
- Police contact: Phone 03641 81-1503 | E-mail: Pressestelle.LPI.Jena@polizei.thueringen.de
- Case number: 0177727/2026
Course of events at the Einkaufszentrum Neue Mitte
The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 15 at the busy ‘Neue Mitte’ shopping center on Leutragraben. An unidentified man positioned himself to secretly take photos under the skirt of a 25-year-old customer. The young woman noticed the suspicious behavior and reacted immediately by confronting the man directly. The perpetrator then aborted his actions and fled the center in an unknown direction.
Detailed description of the perpetrator
The Jena police are asking the public for assistance and have released a detailed description of the suspect:
- Height: approx. 1.70 meters
- Age: approximately 60 to 70 years old
- Appearance: German phenotype, round glasses, and gray to white stubble beard
- Clothing: black T-shirt, 3/4-length trousers, and a dark baseball cap
- Items carried: a jute bag and a mobile phone in a conspicuous leather case
- Language: spoke German without an accent
Call for witnesses by the Landespolizeiinspektion Jena
Investigators are looking for witnesses who observed the incident in the shopping center or can provide information regarding the identity of the described man. Information can be provided to the Jena police at 03641 81-1503 or via e-mail, citing case number 0177727/2026. The suspect is also free to contact the police station to provide a statement.
In addition to this incident, the police reported other events in the region: A missing person was recently found safe in the Ilmpark in Weimar.
🛡️ Legal classification and safety tips regarding ‘upskirting’
Secretly photographing under clothing (‘upskirting’) is not a harmless prank, but a serious criminal offense:
- Legal regulation (§ 184k StGB): Since the end of 2020, the unauthorized production or transmission of images showing the intimate area of another person against their will is a punishable offense. Penalties include fines or imprisonment of up to two years.
- Behavior for victims and witnesses:
- Create awareness: If it is safe to do so, confront the perpetrator directly and loudly to alert others in the vicinity.
- Note perpetrator characteristics: Memorize clothing, build, escape route, and any smartphones or bags used.
- Call the police immediately: Contact the police via the emergency number.
- Citizen’s arrest (§ 127 para. 1 StPO): If a perpetrator is caught in the act and there is a risk of flight or their identity cannot be determined, any person is generally permitted to temporarily detain them until the police arrive. This should always be done without endangering oneself.
Source:
LPI-J: Case of ‘upskirting’ in Jena
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI assistance.