New Year's Eve - Police and fire department appeal: "Don't attack us"
Police and fire department in Berlin warn against the misuse of firecrackers and rockets with a joint video at the start of the fireworks sales. "We are going into action together. So that you can celebrate New Year's Eve safely. And to help you if you need us," say a policewoman, a police officer and a firefighter in the post published on the platform formerly known as Twitter X.
"Please respect our work. Give us enough space to do it. And follow our instructions," it continues. "Don't attack us. Don't shoot us with firecrackers, rockets or alarm guns. You are liable to prosecution and could face several years in prison." The three participants appeal: "So don't ruin your future. And respect us. The people who are there for you and your families."
During the sale, category F2 fireworks - firecrackers, rockets and firework batteries - will officially be on sale for three days. The police have already pointed out in advance that there are no-firework zones on New Year's Eve. These are located at Alexanderplatz, in the Steinmetzkiez area in Schöneberg and on part of Sonnenallee and adjacent side streets. The ban applies from 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year's Day.
Largest police operation in Berlin for decades
Last year, incidents caused nationwide outrage - according to Berlin's police commissioner Barbara Slowik, rescue workers in the capital were deliberately lured into suspected ambushes. In Berlin, the largest police operation on New Year's Eve in decades is now taking place at the turn of the year, and many police officers are also to provide security in other cities.
The Berlin fire department believes it is well prepared. Fire department spokesperson Vinzenz Kasch told RBB24 Inforadio that after the attacks last year, projects with young people had been initiated in the affected neighborhoods and cooperation with the police had been intensified.
"We can assume that there will be scenes like last year's again - but we have positioned ourselves differently now, in terms of coordinating with the police and informing our own emergency services," said Kasch.
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- Individuals planning to celebrate New Year's Eve in Berlin should be mindful of their leisure time activities, as the police and fire department have urged against misusing firework materials.
- In light of concerns about fireworks misuse leading to incidents, Twitter was used by the police and fire department to warn against the use of firecrackers and rockets during New Year's Eve celebrations.
- On New Year's Eve, people in Berlin are advised to avoid no-firework zones, which include Alexanderplatz, Steinmetzkiez area in Schöneberg, and part of Sonnenallee and adjacent side streets, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- To ensure public safety during New Year's Eve, the Berlin police will implement one of their largest operations in decades with the help of officers deployed in other cities, due to the incidents causing nationwide outrage last year.
- The Berlin fire department is well-prepared for the turn of the year, following the attacks on rescue workers last year, which resulted in project implementations with local youth and enhanced cooperation with the police.
- During the sale of category F2 fireworks, including firecrackers, rockets, and firework batteries, members of the public should adhere to the instructions of the police and fire department to avoid any confrontations and legal consequences, such as a prison sentence for attacking emergency personnel with fireworks.
Source: www.stern.de
