Affordable Machetes at 9.99 Euros: "Simplifying the process for potential homicidal knife users"
Let's Talk About Machetes: Garden Tools or Potential Danger?
By Julian Tim Seiferth, Luisa Volkhausen, and Franz Solms-Laubach
You can pick up a "garden machete" for just 9.99 euros in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, alongside your milk and cat food. Norma, the discount store, markets these machetes as perfect for "garden, camping, and outdoor use." But is it acceptable to sell these intimidating tools so easily, especially when knife attacks are on the rise?
Frank Teichert (42), a member of the state executive board of the German Police Union (DPolG) in Berlin, strongly disagrees. He states, "We have seven to nine knife incidents per day in Berlin alone. And at Norma, they're selling machetes alongside milk and cat food!"
Teichert finds it hard to stomach: "Does that feel right? No! Is it right? No! Is it allowed? Yes! But something is clearly wrong here: we're making it too easy for knife attackers."
Rainer Wendt, head of the DPolG, echoes Teichert's concerns. He calls Norma's offer "cynical." Easy access to such knives and similar weapons, Wendt argues, is "one of the major problems of our time."
This issue is also causing serious concerns for police officers. Wendt warns, "We must appeal to the sense of responsibility of retailers and remind them of the fatal consequences of their offers."
But what about the law? In response to BILD's questions, a Norma spokesperson clarified that these machetes are intended for camping and leisure. "They do not fall under the Weapons Act and can therefore be bought and possessed without age restriction." While the supermarket isn't legally obliged to, they do sell these items with an age recommendation of 16 years and check them at the cash register.
However, Germany's knife laws are complex. Machetes, unless specifically classified as weapons under the Weapons Act, are typically not prohibited and don't have age restrictions. Nevertheless, public carry is strictly regulated, especially for minors.
Despite the legal gray area, it's clear that the convenience with which such weapons are available is fueling concerns among law enforcement about potential misuse and escalating violence.
- The lifestyle choices of some individuals have raised concerns among law enforcement officials, as particularly dangerous tools, like machetes, are easily accessible for purchase.
- Fashion and beauty might seem unrelated to the surge in knife attacks, but the ease of obtaining weapons like machetes, once intended for outdoor use, contributes to the issue.
- Food and drink establishments in Berlin's Kreuzberg district often coexist with stores selling items like machetes, adding to the debate about the appropriate sale of such tools.
- Home and garden enthusiasts may appreciate the versatility of a machete, but its potential for misuse in the wrong hands has sparked discussions in the education and self-development community.
- Travelers who explore the outdoors might find a machete useful for their adventures, yet the ease with which such tools can be obtained raises questions about crime and justice in society.
- Sports enthusiasts may believe that the sale of machetes should not be a concern, but the confluence of general news headlines about knife attacks and the accessibility of such weapons have led to calls for increased responsibility from retailers.
