The existing weapons ban zone in Frankfurt's railroad station district has been a success. This is proven by the first evaluations. That's why I didn't hesitate for long when, in talks with the Federal Police and Deutsche Bahn, the wish was expressed that the weapons ban zone be extended to include the main station building," explained Lord Mayor Mike Josef. In an ordinance signed by the head of the city and Annette Rinn, head of the public order department, on Wednesday, May 22, the new zone will be enacted on June 1.
After the initial talks, he had the options legally reviewed by various parties. It turned out that he could comply with the request in accordance with Section 42 (V) and (VI) of the Weapons Act. "Incidentally, this has already been ordered in Hamburg, for example," said Josef. Due to the significant increase in crime figures at the main station - more than doubling between 2019 and 2022 - there was no alternative to the decision.
"I have always said that if we can prevent even one criminal act through our measures, including the new video protection systems in the station district, it will have been worth it. I would like to thank the railroad company, the federal police and the state police for their excellent cooperation. Especially for the great support from our head of public order, Annette Rinn," said Josef.
"After the initial positive experiences with the weapons ban zone in the station district, it was only logical to extend it to the main station and thus have the opportunity to prevent crimes in the station as well. The fact that another video protection system was also put into operation in the station district today is another example of the excellent cooperation between the city, state and federal police for the safety of our citizens and another piece in the mosaic for sustainable improvements," explained Rinn, Head of Public Order.
Klaus Vornhusen, Group Representative of Deutsche Bahn for the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, said: "The main station is the central gateway for passengers and visitors coming to Frankfurt. A welcoming, secure reception is therefore a top priority for us. We will continue the proven cooperation between DB security staff and the police. We expressly support the City of Frankfurt's initiative to include the main station in the weapons ban zone."
Gregor Pelzl, President of the Koblenz Federal Police Directorate, said: "The extension of the weapons ban zone to Frankfurt am Main main station is another good contribution to improving security, especially for rail users. I would therefore like to thank the City of Frankfurt for its open-mindedness in extending the weapons ban zone. The Federal Police will be working closely with all those involved in security at the Frankfurt Police Department, the City of Frankfurt and Deutsche Bahn AG to intensively monitor the weapons ban zone in the station building."
"In the first six months since the weapons ban zone came into force, over 60 misdemeanour reports have been made, mostly for carrying knives. That's 60 objects and knives that have been taken out of circulation and can therefore no longer be used in disputes - this is direct victim protection and a great success," said Frankfurt Police Commissioner Stefan Müller and emphasized: "The extension of the weapons ban zone to Frankfurt Central Station is the logical step to secure knives and prohibited objects even before they enter the station area and the city."
