Robberies on the rise: Germany's cities see alarming crime surge
2:19 PM EDT, July 18, 2024
These are shocking statistics from Germany. In recent years, the number of robberies has been increasing—in some cities, it has doubled! Western neighbors are sounding the alarm. "I have become more cautious; I look around more often, I no longer take the train, and I no longer go out alone in the evening to the city," says a victim of one of the attacks in an interview with Bild.
The German tabloid cites statistics related to robberies and attacks in some cities. The highest percentage increase was noted in the capital city of Lower Saxony, Hanover. According to a report prepared by the local magistrate and police, street, path, and park attacks increased from 189 in 2019 to 503 in 2023.
There is also an increase in such crimes in other cities in Germany. In Bremen, within four years, street attacks doubled to 587 cases. Düsseldorf reported an increase in attacks by 74.2%, with 378 cases recorded. In Frankfurt, there were 744 crimes, representing an increase of over 45 percent.
The problem also affects Germany's largest cities: Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. In the capital, the number of crimes has increased by one-third. In Bavaria's largest city, attacks have increased by 82.5% compared to 2019, while in Hamburg, they have risen by 36.3%.
Crime is increasing in Germany. "I look around more often"
"Bild" spoke with 38-year-old Patrick (name changed), who shared his harrowing story of being attacked. Although much time has passed since the incident, it is still difficult for him to recall those moments. The man was returning on the city train from a party in Hanover. When he got off, he was attacked.
For the man, this incident was traumatic. His apartment keys were stolen, so he barricaded himself in for two months.
I have become more cautious; I look around more often, no longer take the train and no longer go to the city alone in the evening.
It turned out that the attackers were three Afghans. It emerged that they were also responsible for other similar attacks. The case is ongoing in court. "Bild" points out that the percentage of non-native Germans committing crimes is above average in the aforementioned cities.
