Neukölln food delivery rider threatened with a knife by teenagers

A food delivery rider was attacked by a group of teenagers in Berlin-Neukölln and threatened with a knife, police confirmed on October 1, 2026. According to the police report, several youths blocked the courier in the evening and demanded his bag of food and his mobile phone, with one of them pulling out a blade. The rider defended himself and alerted bystanders; the attackers fled on foot. Patrol officers alerted by passers-by caught several suspects nearby a short time later and seized a knife. One suspect, however, managed to escape and is still being sought. The delivery rider was not physically injured but was treated for shock. The incident has refuelled debate about the safety of gig-economy workers in Berlin, who often cycle alone late at night with cash and valuables. Trade unions have been demanding better protection, such as emergency buttons in delivery apps and higher pay for risky shifts.