208 Incidents in Public Baths - But No Serious Offenses - Berlin’s summer pools plagued by theft and fence climbers amid record patrols
Berlin’s outdoor swimming pools saw a busy summer season, with 208 criminal offences reported across the city. The most frequent issue was theft, particularly of bicycles left unattended. Meanwhile, fence climbing and minor assaults also kept authorities occupied.
Police and private security teams worked together to monitor the pools, as traditional lifeguards alone could no longer handle rising incidents. Officers spent nearly 1,600 hours patrolling the areas, though exact figures on their deployment remain unclear. Private guards contributed an additional 61,678 hours, costing operators around €1.5 million.
Despite the challenges, Berlin’s outdoor pools remained open and operational throughout the summer. The combined efforts of police, security, and pool staff ensured that incidents stayed manageable. The season ended without major disruptions, though theft and fence climbing remained key concerns.
