#germany security

BERLIN: Germany and France on Saturday moved to reinforce security around Jewish temples, schools and monuments after the surprise attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel.Germany tightened police protection of Jewish and Israeli institutions, as some supporters of the Palestinians took to the streets of Berlin to celebrate the attack.France focussed on Jewish temples and schools…

Common sense and usual Western standards are the best everyday guides to proper behaviour in Germany and for travellers vigilance is the best safeguard of self and property.

The incidence of crime is relatively low in Germany and recent statistics have showed a decline in overall criminality. Rates for violent crime are lower still. The highest crime rates in the country are reported for Frankfurt am Main, Hannover and Berlin. Munich has one of the lowest rates, but overindulgence at the Oktoberfest can lead to brawls. May Day is a day for political demonstrations that occasionally lead to confrontations but these will be of no concern to travellers who steer clear of such situations.

The most common offences to concern travellers are bike theft (car theft is also prevalent), begging or pickpocketing. But the main threat to possessions is quite likely to be other travellers.

As usual busy public places, especially transport hubs, are places to be vigilant, especially with luggage and other possessions or at night.

Travellers are subject to local laws, of which ignorance may not be taken as an excuse for infringements. The only particular warning may pertain to copyright infractions and there are warnings against purchase or illegal digital download of what may be copyright material.  

The universal police emergency telephone number is 110. The fire brigade (Feuerwehr) can be called on the 112 free emergency number. German police (Polizei) will be on the street in combinations of blue, green or khaki with dark jackets in cooler weather.  Most police forces are state-based (Landespolizei) and uniforms and sleeve and cap badges vary accordingly. Their green-labelled vehicles in many cases are being changed to blue.  

The German federal police (Bundespolizei) are responsible for border security, railways (with posts at or near many major stations) as well as the coast guard (Küstenwache). Other federal agencies cover national criminal intelligence. Some large cities have a municipally based police service (Stadtpolizei or Ordnungsdienst) attending to local laws. Volunteers (Sicherheitswacht or Wachpolizei), some uniformed in blue and armed, also take on neighbourhood patrols in states such as Berlin, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony and Hesse.

Police can demand identification on the spot so a passport or other proof should be carried. Keeping copies of official documents should be standard practice for travellers.

For current advice on travel in Germany, travellers should seek advice from their country’s government departments responsible for foreign relations. The US State Department gives a good summary at travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/germany.html. This webpage stresses German vigilance in meeting potential threats, but also points out the limitations of Europe’s Schengen open-border policy in tracking some threats.

Embassies (Botschaften) and consulates of a traveller’s home country will generally assist in matters of law and medical crisis, such as finding local lawyers and doctors, and with emergencies such as medical evacuation. They will assist in cases of lost travel documents and provide general advice on local conditions and practices for travel purposes. They can also assist in getting information to next of kin in case of emergency. They generally provide assistance with absentee voting in elections. They expect all travellers will take reasonable precautions and make prudent preparations, often including registering travel plans with the department of foreign relations.

Embassies and consulates cannot usually be expected to provide direct assistance with costs, although some might provide small loans with strict conditions in case of emergency. 

Direct advice on local law is not usually provided. It is best that travellers check their country’s consular service charter before travelling and wise to have contact details (see below) available in case of emergency.

Embassies and consulates might be able to provide emergency help without notice but it is generally best to telephone and arrange appointments. Honorary representatives might provide only a limited range of services to citizens. Embassies and consulates can be closed on public holidays celebrated in the home country as well as local public holidays. A contact list of embassies and consulates in Germany, along with emergency telephone numbers where available, are provided at the Raven Travel Guides Germany website www.ravenguides.com in the Security section under the Travel Essentials menu.