Increase in Violence at Train Stations: Berlin Leads in Incidents

A recent analysis reveals a concerning rise in violent crimes at train stations across Germany, with Berlin's central station reporting the highest number of incidents.

According to data released in response to an inquiry from the AfD parliamentary group, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof recorded 764 violent offenses in 2024, a significant increase from 620 in the previous year. Other major stations also reported high crime rates, with Dortmund Hauptbahnhof noting 735 incidents, Hannover Hauptbahnhof at 715, and Köln Hauptbahnhof with 703 reported cases.

The overall number of violent crimes at train stations rose from 25,640 in 2023 to 27,160 in 2024. Notably, sexual offenses saw an increase from 1,898 to 2,262 cases, while property damage incidents rose from 30,961 to 32,671. Interestingly, drug-related offenses decreased significantly, with 10,174 cases recorded in 2024 compared to 18,382 the previous year, although the reasons for this decline were not specified. It is worth noting that a partial legalization of cannabis took effect in April 2024, which may have influenced these statistics.

The data is based on the Police Crime Statistics (PKS), which only captures reported incidents, suggesting that the actual figures may be higher due to unreported cases. Additionally, the spike in train travel during the summer months, coinciding with the UEFA European Championship, may have contributed to the increased crime rates.

Concerns over safety at train stations have been echoed by various political figures. The interior policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group expressed alarm over the transformation of train stations and trains into places that induce fear, which undermines public security. Similarly, an AfD representative criticized train stations, once considered hubs of mobility and social interaction, for becoming increasingly perceived as unsafe areas.

When examining specific incidents, Dortmund Hauptbahnhof reported the highest number of sexual offenses with 53 incidents, followed by Frankfurt am Main and Hamburg, each with 40 reported cases. In 2023, Köln Hauptbahnhof had led in this category with 57 incidents.

The inquiry also addressed the backgrounds of suspected offenders, revealing that foreign nationals are disproportionately represented in many categories of offenses, raising further discussions on crime and immigration.