Munich (dpa / lby) – heartlessness or necessary protection? With metal prongs on the floor, a Munich savings bank branch keeps homeless people from spending the night in their ATM room – this picture caused discussions on Twitter. A journalist from the state capital had published a photo of the anteroom of the branch on Max-Weber-Platz on the network and wrote: “Shame on you, @sparkasse Munich, for these spikes that were added later. When a homeless person sleeps in your counter room at night not because he’s doing too well.”
A spokesman for the Stadtsparkasse explains that the prongs were attached a long time ago as part of a renovation: “Because at this location there have always been major customer complaints in the past after the ATM room was used by the homeless and other groups as a place to stay.” Customers would have felt unsafe if they withdraw money late at night in the presence of homeless people. In addition, the room has no toilets or garbage cans.
The Sparkasse spokesman also said: “We fully understand the situation of the people who do not have warm accommodation these days.” However, the city of Munich and aid organizations offer numerous accommodations for people who live on the streets. The Munich Stadtsparkasse often donates to clubs and organizations that support the homeless.
Verena Zillig, Managing Director of the Bavarian Homeless Aid Foundation, says of the construction project: “This type of so-called “defensive architecture” is nothing new and is more common, for example with benches in public spaces. The individual seats are separated with armrests, so that you can’t stretch out there.”
Zillig finds it unfortunate that the Sparkasse was forced to do this: “In Bavaria, the municipalities are responsible for the emergency accommodation of homeless people. According to general information, there are probably enough places, at least in Munich.” However, not all of those in need would find shelter in the emergency facilities – out of ignorance, fear of theft or violence, but also because they were not allowed to bring their animals with them.
