Foreign suspects dominate violent and sexual crimes at German train stations, crime rates stay high
Crime at German railway stations and on trains has not declined, with foreign suspects accounting for a large share of violent and sexual offenses.
Data supplied by the federal government in reply to a query from AfD MP Martin Hess show that criminal activity at German train stations and aboard trains stayed elevated during the first six months of the year. While the number of property offences and vandalism edged down, sexual assaults and other violent offences did not show any reduction, and incidents involving drugs and weapons also remained steady. Foreign-born individuals represented a disproportionate proportion of suspects in violent and sexual crimes, with Syrian nationals leading, followed by persons from Poland, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
The Cologne central station logged the highest number of crimes, with Hamburg and Frankfurt ranking second and third respectively. Attacks on railway personnel rose compared with the previous year, and a fatal assault on employee Serkan C. in February sparked nationwide concern. In response, former transport minister Patrick Schnieder suggested cutting back ticket inspections to better protect staff.
Why it matters
Rising crime and the overrepresentation of foreign suspects at train stations raise security concerns and pressure policymakers.
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