Knife and weapon-free zones: Berlin senator reports over 500 knives seized

Berlin's initiative to combat knife violence has resulted in the seizure of more than 500 knives in designated weapon-free zones across the city. Berlin's Interior Senator, Iris Spranger, reported that since the implementation of bans on February 15, 2025, police have conducted extensive checks in key areas.

In the Görlitzer Park and at Kottbusser Tor in Kreuzberg, as well as Leopoldplatz in Wedding, authorities performed 8,317 checks. These operations led to the confiscation of 176 knives as of June 30. Spranger emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that individuals carrying knives risk using them, and the police's efforts to remove these weapons contribute to the safety of Berlin's residents and visitors.

Furthermore, a ban on carrying knives in public transport, effective since July 17, 2025, has also yielded significant results. According to Spranger, 33,288 checks within the public transport system resulted in the seizure of 326 knives by July 1. The senator highlighted that such interventions are crucial for public safety.

Beyond these zones, Berlin is also implementing individual bans on weapon possession and revoking driving licenses for individuals convicted of knife-related offenses, a measure Spranger described as pioneering nationwide. A special task force has reviewed 27 such cases, with 23 deemed positive and 19 resulting in legally binding orders. Spranger noted that no violations of these individual bans have been recorded, indicating their effectiveness. Currently, no new weapon-free zones are planned, but the city continuously evaluates the situation, leaving open the possibility of adjusting existing zones or establishing new ones if necessary.