Highest alert level: Federal police impose a ban on weapons in train stations!

Highest alert level: Federal police impose a ban on weapons in train stations!

This week, from October 11th to 14th, the federal police will carry out strict controls at Dortmund main station and from October 12th to 13th at Gelsenkirchen main station. These measures have been taken to introduce a ban on carrying dangerous items, which will apply in both stations for the coming days. Anyone who does not adhere to this ban must expect consequences that can range from being expelled from the train station to a ban on train stations and even a fine of up to 200 euros.

The decision to introduce these checks was taken following a series of incidents in which dangerous objects, particularly knives, were found at the station. The Federal Police reports that despite security measures in place, no significant decline in the number of violent crimes involving such items has been observed in recent months. This situation is particularly concerning because the use of knives often results in serious, if not fatal, injuries.

Concrete measures and regulations

The ban applies to a variety of weapons, including firearms, cutting, thrusting and stabbing weapons, as well as all types of knives. The general order comes into force at Dortmund main station from October 11th at 1:00 p.m. and is valid until October 14th at 6:00 a.m. At Gelsenkirchen main station, the ban will take effect on October 12th at 1:00 p.m. and ends on October 13th at 6:00 a.m. The regulations apply to all people who stay in or enter the respective areas of the station, with the exception of the subway and light rail areas. Posters will be posted in train stations to point out the impending no-go zone.

The federal police have confiscated dangerous items several times in the past. For example, a knife was taken from a 22-year-old, while a 54-year-old drew attention to himself with a “tactical knife”. Such incidents highlight the need for measures to increase safety in these busy transport hubs in the Ruhr area. The authorities emphasize that the risk of conflicts and acts of violence, which are often fought with dangerous objects, increases, particularly under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In order to ensure the safety of travelers, the Federal Police will carry out stricter checks in the affected train stations for the duration of the ban. Walkers and travelers should expect to be checked and should prepare accordingly. Although the measures may seem inconvenient, the police see this as a necessary step to increase the safety of all guests and travelers.

Further information about the exact provisions and possible exceptions to the ban can be found in the general order attached as a PDF, which is also accessible on the Federal Police website. The current situation and specific incident information also includes press releases documenting detailed examples of the danger posed by these items. This approach was considered a survival measure to achieve a reduction in gun violence in train stations while protecting the safety of citizens.

In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how effective the Federal Police's security measures will be in this short period of time, especially given that both Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen main stations are frequented by a large number of travelers every day. The police will not only insist on the ban, but also ensure that travelers are provided with a safe environment, something that has been repeatedly questioned in recent months.

Those interested can find further information and the full press releases at www.presseportal.de see.