Rising crime wave alarms cities across Germany
Shocking statistics from Germany. In recent years, the number of robberies has been increasing. In some cities, it has doubled! Germans are sounding the alarm. "I have become more cautious, I look around more often, I no longer take the train, 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 of Lower Saxony, Hanover. According to a report prepared by the local magistrate and police, the number of street, path, and park attacks increased from 189 in 2019 to 503 in 2023.
There has also been an increase in such crimes in other cities in Germany. In Bremen, within four years, street attacks doubled to 587 cases. Düsseldorf reported a rise in attacks by 74.2%. There were 378 cases recorded. There were 744 crimes in Frankfurt, representing an increase of over 45 per cent.
The problem also affects Germany's largest cities: Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. In the country's 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 increased 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 himself. Although much time has passed since the incident, it was 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.
I was kicked in the legs from behind and fell. Two young men sat on me and searched my bags. One threatened to stab me, so I no longer resisted. They then took my wallet and mobile phone - the 38-year-old German described.
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, I no longer take the train, I no longer go out alone in the evening to the city - said Patrick.
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.
