The Berlin police will take tough measures against violators of the law during the New Year celebrations in the German capital, Mayor Kai Wegner said in an interview with DPA, BTA reported.
"Anyone who causes disorder or commits a crime will feel the force of the law", he said.
"It is important for us that everyone can celebrate, that everyone can have fun, but when it comes to crimes, the police will intervene extremely consistently and very decisively, as in previous years," Wegner said.
He said that the Berlin police have been preparing for the New Year for months, are well equipped and will be on full alert on the streets. "We will do everything to ensure that the night is peaceful and happy as we welcome the New Year", Wegner said.
Throwing illegal fireworks into crowds or at police is a crime, Wegner noted, expressing hope that this can be prevented. He added that large quantities of illegal fireworks have been confiscated in recent weeks.
Regarding the ongoing debate over a fireworks ban, Wegner said: "A fireworks ban will only have an effect if there is a general ban on their sale." A ban limited to Berlin would lead to people buying fireworks in neighboring states, he added.
"Then there should be a ban on fireworks throughout Germany, but there is no majority for that among the federal states," Wegner said.
Berlin will continue to support stricter regulations at the German and EU levels, he said, noting that large fireworks are already banned.