Stadtroda, 20.05.2026 – An unusual case of property damage is occupying the police in the Saale-Holzland-Kreis. On Tuesday morning, witnesses discovered symbols of unconstitutional organizations on a gravel path, consisting of an everyday food item.
- Event: Discovery of two swastikas
- Crime Scene: Gravel path in Stadtroda
- Time of Incident: Discovered on Tuesday morning
- Means: Peanut butter (size per symbol approx. 40×40 cm)
- Measures: Investigation initiated, smears completely removed
Food as a Means of the Crime
As the police reported, passers-by encountered two swastikas, approximately 40 by 40 centimeters in size, on the unpaved path. For the witnesses, it was initially unclear what the brownish smears consisted of. Upon closer inspection by the summoned officers, it turned out that the unknown perpetrator had used commercial peanut butter to draw the symbols on the stones.
Police Searching for the Perpetrators
The officers documented the crime scene and initiated an investigation for the use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations. The unusual smears did not pose a major problem, at least during removal: the peanut butter could be removed quickly and without residue from the gravel path.
Background: Prohibited Symbols in Criminal Law
The drawing or public display of swastikas is consistently prosecuted under criminal law in Germany. According to Section 86a of the Criminal Code (StGB), the use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations is prohibited. Legally, it does not matter whether the symbols are permanently sprayed onto a house wall with paint or – as in this case – drawn on the ground with easily removable food items. The offense is punishable by fines or imprisonment of up to three years. In such cases, the criminal police often analyze even the smallest traces to identify potential serial offenders in the field of politically motivated crime.
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Means of Crime: Peanut Butter
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.