Controls strengthened Weapons ban at Cologne Central Train Station this weekend
Cologne · For the coming weekend, there will be a ban on all types of weapons at the Cologne Central Train Station. Police are taking the measure in response to increasing violence.
With a ban on weapons, police are reacting to an increase in violence at Cologne Central Train Station. The Bundespolizei (German federal police) made an announcement on Tuesday that this weekend, there will be a ban on weapons such as firearms, bats and batons, and knives of all sorts. The ban also includes “dangerous tools of all kinds” (for example carpet knives). Travelers and visitors will experience stronger controls. A fine of 100 euros can be imposed on those violating the ban. The ban is in effect on Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, from 6am until 6am the following day. It includes the building complex of the train station and the railway tracks.
According to police, 318,000 travelers a day visit Cologne Central Station. Last year, the number of violent offenses there increased by 23 percent compared to the previous year. Among them were 66 dangerous assaults committed with harmful objects.
From January to June, there were already 44 incidents involving weapons such as knives, brass knuckles, blackjacks or air guns. Especially during the weekend, the main station is a focal point for violent crime.
(Orig. text: ga.de / Translation: ck)
