Terrorism
Threat through Terrorism
Threats and attacks in several European cities have left many areas of Europe on a high level of alert. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks, and Berlin may also be targeted at any time. With its storied history, Berlin, Germany’s capital, is a special destination for tourists from all over the world. Berlin’s attraction is not only recognized by visitors, but also by those who might intend to harm others.
Half of the “dangerous” Islamists in Germany are no longer considered a threat, German federal police agency (BKA) announced in 2017. However, the other half of those Islamists classified as dangerous pose a high risk. The German police and intelligence agencies use the word Gefährder (risk person) to describe Islamists who they believe have the potential to carry out acts of terror. The German Police Union (GdP) believes that a completely secure surveillance system for Islamist extremists is impossible to achieve. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets / shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major events, educational institutions, airports and other public areas. The horrific Christmas market attack in 2016 was the last Islamic terrorism incident in Berlin. A truck was commandeered and driven through a crowded Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz, claiming 12 lives and injuring dozens more.
Mafia
Threat through Mafia Activities
Berlin's organized crime activities are very complex. The term mafia instantly recalls Italian crime families, and they hardly play a role in Berlin. Instead, dozens of other gangs are active in Berlin. They can be divided into three large groups: Arab-clans, rocker groups and organized gangs from Eastern Europe. All three groups share common themes – they operate according to their own laws and total isolation from outside forces.
There have been gang shootings between criminals in Berlin, including murders in public. However gang-related car bombings are rare in Berlin. Gangs with members from Russia and Chechnya give Berlin's organized crime an extra element.
Arab Clans
Threat through Arab (Family) Clans
Several organizations have emerged from Arab communities within Germany, some include refugees from Palestine and the war in Lebanon in the 1980s. The most well-known families are mainly based in Berlin, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony. German police claim there are currently about 50 active families across the country.
The groups, often called clans, are believed to have several thousand members each, with their main activities including drug dealing, prostitution, protection money rackets and robberies. One of their spectacular crimes was the theft of a 220lb pure 24-carat gold Canadian coin valued at $4.3m from a Berlin museum. A recent clan-related killing in Berlin attracted much attention in the German media. Some clans have strong connections into show business and the security industry. These powerful Arab criminal clans are actively trying to infiltrate Berlin’s police and other state services. Police in Berlin are concerned the gangs are seeking to control police actions.
Biker "Rocker"
Threat through Biker or "Rocker"
Biker, or "rocker," organizations including the Hells Angels, Gremium MC, Born to be Wild, Rolling Wheels, Streetfighters or Mesopotamias have been active in Germany since the 1970s. They have long been considered violent, and believed to have links to organized crime.
Around 20 of these clubs are still active in Berlin, according to the security authorities. These Berlin clubs are also linked to clubs in the state Brandenburg. Berlin's Senate estimates the number of rockers active in criminal activities to be around 1,000.
The gangs are usually linked to gambling, prostitution, arms dealing, extortion, money laundering and drug trafficking. The big international biker gangs are primarily involved in the drugs trade, including anabolic steroids. Their activities take place often outside public perception.
The security authorities have also recognized links between individual gang members and the right-wing extremist scene. Connections to the private security industry in Berlin include nightclub bouncers.
Mugging Risk
Mugging Risk
Robberies can happen anywhere, at any time, all over the world. Knowing what thieves look for when selecting their victims, and what you can do to make yourself less of a target, can help you avoid becoming a victim. Even though, the mugging risk in Germany is rather low, but statistics differ for Berlin and some other cities within Germany.
On the whole, Berlin is a relatively safe city regarding the risk of being mugged. However, some areas in Berlin are becoming increasingly dangerous. These areas are mostly dominated by drug dealers and considered to be locations with increased criminal activity, such as the Görlitzer Park, the Treptower Park or the Bahnhof Zoo area.
IDuring the night hours, caution is always highly advised. It is recommended to avoid danger spots such as poorly-lit areas, deserted parks, or quiet alleyways, especially in dangerous neighbourhoods.
There are known cases of violent crime, sex offences, serious injury, sexual assault, abuses against LGBT community members, and homicide offences, mostly without known connections between the offender and victim.
Pickpockets Risk
Pickpockets Risk
There is some pickpocket-related risk in Berlin. It can happen anywhere, but it is advised to be extra careful on public transport and around tourist hotspots.
Some main areas you need to be extra vigilant are Alexanderplatz in Berlin, as well as parks in Kreuzberg. Stealing from people dining at a cafe or restaurant is common in Berlin. Never leave your bag unattended hanging on the back of a chair and do not casually leave your wallet or purse on the table.
The pickpocketing risk could be an issue for an event. Such incidents might have a negative impact on the experience of attendees, guests and speakers, and on the reputation of the event.
Theft Risk
Theft Risk
The theft risk in Berlin is relatively high. A few simple precautions will reduce your chances of becoming a theft victim. Do not give potential perpetrators any opportunity. This applies equally to the equipment of an event, as well as the hotel room, or a vehicle and all objects inside.
Always keep valuable items locked, and event equipment secured against theft. This will protect you from an unwanted interruption of your Berlin event.
Counterfeit Money Risk
Counterfeit Money Risk
Foreigners have been arrested for possessing counterfeit currency in Berlin, some foreign governments warn. It is highly advised to avoid changing money anywhere other than banks or legitimate currency exchange offices.
In the first half of 2019, the Deutsche Bundesbank recorded approximately 27,600 counterfeit Euro banknotes and approximately 19,800 counterfeit coins, an increase on previous months.
Learn more about counterfeit money risks by visiting Deutsche Bundesbank's website.
