Escalating Violence at Train Stations Predicted by 2025, According to Police Reports
In the opening months of 2025, Germany witnessed a significant increase in violent acts, weapon offenses, and property damage at train stations and on trains, compared to the same period in 2024.
The surge in violence was most evident in knife-related crimes, which rose by 17%. A majority of these incidents occurred at train stations (409 cases) and railway tracks (108 cases), with an additional 193 incidents taking place near station forecourts and external borders.
The period also saw multiple acts of vandalism and sabotage on rail infrastructure, including at least two arson attacks on the crucial railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg. These attacks caused widespread disruptions to train services across western Germany, leading to long lines and travel delays but no overwhelming chaos.
Beyond violent crime, petty crimes such as pickpocketing remain common at crowded stations, adding to safety concerns for travelers.
The increase in violent crimes intersects with broader social and political concerns. Some analysts and officials link the increases to migration-related challenges, noting a higher proportion of foreign nationals among suspects in violent crimes, including offenses around train stations. However, these assertions are politically sensitive and debated.
German rail services and authorities have responded with operational adjustments and investigations into sabotage. The debate on root causes continues, with calls for improved border security and integration policies raised by some political figures.
Here's a summary of key statistics and dynamics:
| Offense Type | Change/Count (H1 2025 vs. H1 2024) | Location/Context | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Knife-related attacks | +17% | 409 attacks at train stations, 108 on tracks | | Arson/sabotage incidents | Multiple incidents damaging major lines (Düsseldorf-Duisburg) causing disruption | Rail lines, major stations | | Pickpocketing and petty crime | Ongoing prevalent risk | Crowded train stations, tourist hubs | | Violent crime with migration link | Rising share of non-German suspects in violent crimes | Broader crime including train station incidents |
It's important to note that no comprehensive official government crime report for the full first half of 2025 on all train-related offenses is publicly available yet. However, the figures and analyses indicate a clear trend of rising violence and disruptions within the German rail system during this period.
For instance, the number of knife attacks at train stations decreased slightly from 251 in the first half of 2024 to 244 in the first half of 2025. On the other hand, the number of weapon offenses increased from 589 in 2024 to 808 in 2025. Similarly, the number of property damage cases increased from 16,786 in 2024 to 17,595 in 2025.
Politicians like AfD Member of Parliament Martin Hess have called for more police presence at train stations and on trains, while others, such as Hess, have proposed a "zero tolerance strategy against violent offenders" and "the consistent deportation of criminal foreigners."
The data provided by the Federal Police comes from their police input statistics (PES). The final balance for 2025 can only be drawn up at the end of the year.
Sources: 1. The World 2. dpa (German Press Agency) 3. Federal Ministry of the Interior 4. AfD parliamentary group
The surge in train station-related violence, including knife attacks, weapon offenses, and property damage, has sparked discussions in the realm of politics and general news. Numerous cases of arson and sabotage on rail infrastructure, affecting major lines and causing travel disruptions, also fall under the category of crime and justice.
