Violent and Sexual Offenses Surge at German Train Stations in 2024

Rising Crime Figures Alarm German Public

German train stations and trains witnessed a significant increase in violent and sexual offenses throughout 2024, according to statistics released by the Federal Police. The total number of violent incidents at train stations rose from 25,640 in 2023 to 27,160 in 2024. Concurrently, sexual offenses saw an increase from 1,898 cases in 2023 to 2,262 in 2024, marking a 19.2% rise. These figures are based on police incoming statistics, which only account for reported offenses, suggesting a potential 'dark figure' of unreported incidents.

Hotspots and Specific Offenses

Several major train stations across Germany were identified as particular hotspots for violent crime in 2024:

• Berlin Hauptbahnhof recorded 764 violent incidents, an increase from 620 the previous year.
• Dortmund Hauptbahnhof reported 764 violent acts, and the highest number of sexual offenses with 53 cases.
• Munich Hauptbahnhof saw 735 violent crimes.
• Hanover Hauptbahnhof registered 715 incidents.
• Cologne Hauptbahnhof had 703 incidents.

Most sexual offenses involved sexual harassment, with a smaller proportion comprising assault, rape, or abuse of minors. Beyond violence and sexual crimes, property damage also increased from 30,961 in 2023 to 32,671 in 2024. Conversely, drug-related offenses decreased significantly from 18,382 to 10,174, a change that may be influenced by the partial legalization of cannabis in April 2024.

Concerns and Countermeasures

The escalating crime rates have prompted strong reactions from political figures and authorities. Alexander Throm, spokesman for internal affairs of the conservative faction in the German parliament, stated that 'Train stations and trains becoming places of fear severely impact the public's feeling of security and should not be a permanent condition.' Similarly, an AfD lawmaker remarked that 'Train stations, once places of mobility and peaceful encounters, are increasingly becoming no-go areas.'

In response to these trends, various measures are being implemented or proposed:

• Increased Personnel: Deutsche Bahn and the Federal Police are recruiting more security personnel, with Deutsche Bahn planning to hire up to 500 additional staff.
• Enhanced Surveillance: Over 11,000 surveillance cameras are now in use, with the Federal Police having exclusive access to footage. Bodycams are also being deployed for train attendants.
• Weapon-Free Zones: Authorities are establishing weapon-free zones in certain areas.
• Women-Only Carriages: In Berlin, the Green Party has proposed introducing women-only carriages on public transport, alongside enhanced video surveillance and emergency call boxes on platforms, in response to rising sexual violence.

The first half of 2025 has also seen continued high numbers, with 14,047 violent crimes and 1,076 sexual offenses registered at train stations and on trains, indicating an ongoing challenge for public safety in Germany's rail network.