Berlin Police Intensify Security Around Power Infrastructure After Recent Sabotage

Following a recent act of sabotage that disrupted electricity supply in southwestern Berlin, the city's police have deployed enhanced patrols to protect critical power infrastructure. Although electricity has now been restored to the affected districts, law enforcement officers are currently monitoring cable ducts, substations, and other sensitive points in the network to prevent further incidents.

Reports indicate that four police units have been assigned to provide security at key locations across the city's power grid. These increased measures come after a significant outage caused by an arson attack, which left parts of Berlin without power for several days. The authorities' decision to maintain a visible police presence is believed to have been influenced by political concerns regarding the vulnerability of essential services.

The police are tasked with conducting surveillance and protection duties at areas considered high-risk for potential sabotage. Their responsibilities include monitoring cable shafts, power masts, and connection bridges--sites that, if targeted, could disrupt power across large sections of the city. Officers are working in both uniform and civilian clothes to enhance the effectiveness of these security operations.

According to statements from police union representatives, the deployment has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in safeguarding Berlin's critical infrastructure. There is growing criticism that the necessary technological upgrades, such as the implementation of surveillance cameras and sensors at sensitive sites, have not been prioritized by policymakers. The union underscores that, despite previous attacks on the city's power supply--including a notable blackout in Adlershof in September 2024--systematic improvements in infrastructure security remain insufficient.

These recent events have reignited discussions about the adequacy of protective measures for Berlin's electricity supply. Security experts warn that critical infrastructure remains exposed to attack, with limited technological support in place to prevent or detect sabotage attempts. The current reliance on police patrols is seen as an interim solution, rather than a sustainable long-term strategy.

Furthermore, law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about the allocation of police resources, emphasizing that maintaining prolonged security operations at power facilities may divert personnel from other essential duties. Some suggest that private security firms could be engaged to support protection efforts, allowing police to focus on broader public safety responsibilities.

Calls for a comprehensive review of Berlin's infrastructure protection policies have intensified, with demands for greater investment in modern surveillance technology and risk assessment. The incident has highlighted the importance of securing critical services, especially in the face of increasing threats from acts of sabotage.

As Berlin continues to recover from the recent outage, authorities are urging a coordinated response between government agencies, utility companies, and security services to address vulnerabilities in the power grid. The ongoing police presence at sensitive sites is expected to remain in place until further notice, as the city works to reinforce its infrastructure against future attacks.