THE MEAN STREETS OF BERLIN

Yes, a big city usually coincides with big violence- or calls for 'street smarts' I automatically watch my back, and make sure no one is following me in when I open my building's front door at night. Making sure my cell phone has enough juice to make it home, and even put my mean-'dont mess with me face' on when i am out by myself- but these routine precautions were learned in Chicago.

Berlin is different. And although I never felt super threatened in Chicago- there are places that you know not to go- and things you know to look out for. And stories youve heard, about rapes and muggings. And then there's Berlin. Berlin is like a big, gentle giant. I really don't have to do anyof that. ever. Now, this isn't to say that I let my guard down completely... but I mean walking down the street bymyself at 3:30 in the morning, almost anywhere in Berlin is just about as scary as walking down the yellow-brick-road in broad daylight... the worst that could happen is that i run into a stranger, that ends up wanting to be a friend, or find myself in a new and glorious place- like Emerald City.

heres the latest street-violence reported in berlin:

Jogger mugged by 7-year-old boy

Published: 30 Mar 09 09:05 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/society/20090330-18319.html

Police have returned a 7-year-old to his parents after the child mugged a teenage jogger in a Berlin park on Sunday afternoon.

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The boy overcame the 17-year-old girl while she was jogging in the Wedding district, a police statement said. He hit and kicked her, then took her mobile phone and attempted to flee, but she held him down.

Witnesses observed the attack and held the boy until police arrived, the statement said.

“The officers conducted a disciplinary discussion with the boy and informed his parents of the event,” police said. “The responsible youth services office was also informed.”

The jogger was not injured.

The Local (news@thelocal.de)