No one needs to consult a scientifically based study to come to the conclusion: Dark corners attract shady characters.

Or types that act accordingly in the dark.

That is everyday experience.

With regard to the individual case, it can apply or it can be highly unfair.

Thieves, thugs and drug dealers certainly find it easier to do their misdeeds away from the light.

But not everyone who strays off the beaten path is also of bad character.

So the result of the study by Justus Liebig University Giessen for Bad Nauheim is not surprising.

Inviting and tranquil when it's bright, but otherwise naturally dark, the Kurpark and the train station top the list of places in the city where citizens feel unsafe.

In general, very few train stations invite you to linger, especially not at night.

This applies primarily to women, but not only.

Certainly very few men like to be where they can hardly see their hand in front of their eyes and cannot assess the surroundings.

The risk of becoming a victim of an act of violence remains incalculable – however small it may ultimately be.

For many people, the actual security situation is less important than their personal sense of security.

fear of being attacked

The city of Bad Nauheim is therefore on the right track if it wants to illuminate dark corners better than before.

She expressly announced this with reference to the resources, i.e. energy and the associated high costs.

As a result of the energy price crisis, many municipalities and cities have the streets illuminated for a shorter time than usual and, if in doubt, not as brightly. This is understandable.

However, these steps limit the safety and thus the quality of life of many people.

The women's representative of the Wetterau district is right in suggesting that this finding should be taken into account in planning and on-site inspections.

And to illuminate well not only more or less wide streets, but also sidewalks that are neglected in this regard.

Having to take a detour for fear of being attacked is too often part of everyday life for many.