Police Confiscate Place-Name and Traffic Signs from Techno Fans

Police confiscated town and traffic signs from several participants at the “SonneMondSterne” festival at the Bleilochtalsperre near Saalburg. A total of nine signs were identified—some of them through police drone surveillance, according to the Saalfeld State Police Department.

Investigation into theft

“What may seem like a funny souvenir of a festival weekend to some festivalgoers is, from the police’s perspective, not a trivial offense. Taking them without authorization therefore generally constitutes theft and will result in corresponding criminal investigations,” the statement said. The signs will be returned to their rightful owners, the municipalities and cities.

Women Report Being Drugged with “Knockout Drops”

According to police, since the start of the operation at the festival on Wednesday, two women have come forward who felt they had been affected by so-called “knockout drops.” Investigations into possible substances are still ongoing, officials said. No conclusive evidence has been found so far.

The “SonneMondSterne” festival is considered one of the largest open-air festivals for electronic dance music in Germany. More than 33,000 music fans are expected by Sunday. According to the organizer, the campsites for festivalgoers were already well-filled even before the main program began on eight stages on Friday. The program had been underway since Wednesday. A total of 140 DJs and bands were scheduled to perform as part of the main program.