Berlin reaches through: Ban of knife in crime hotspots from February!

Berlin reaches through: Ban of knife in crime hotspots from February!

In Berlin, drastic measures are taken against weapons and knife crime. From February 15, 2025, bans for carrying weapons and knives will come into force in three highly problematic zones - the Görlitzer Park, the Kottbuser Tor and Leopoldplatz. This decision was decided by a law of the Senate, headed by Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) to counteract the increasing number of knife attacks, which, according to Berlin crime statistics, rose by five percent last year with a total of 3,482 incidents. There are strict rules: regardless of the type of weapon, be it classic firearms or weapons of shot, are prohibited in these zones, even if there is approval, like the small gun license. According to Berliner Zeitung reported. Also during the New Year's Eve there will be a weapons and knife ban around the Brandenburg Gate and in the Tiergarten, which applies from December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025.

The ruling mayor Kai Wegner spoke out for the need for these measures to increase security and show a clear reaction to the growing threats from knife attacks. "We have to take note that far too many knives are currently in use," said Wegner, and emphasized that the new prohibition zones can be seen as a crucial step in a comprehensive approach to combating knife crime. Another step could be to expand the ban to additional areas in the future.