Rise in Train Station Violence by 2025, According to Police Reports
In the first half of 2025, Germany has witnessed a significant increase in violent crimes and weapon offenses, particularly knife attacks, at train stations and on trains compared to the same period in 2024. According to data from the police input statistics of the Federal Police (PES), there was a 17% rise in blade-related attacks, with 1,353 incidents recorded, the majority of which occurred at train stations (409 incidents) and surrounding areas.
This trend has sparked concern and debate among experts, policymakers, and the public. Some attribute the increase to migration-related challenges, cultural integration issues, and criticisms of government policies regarding border control and law enforcement. Foreign nationals, particularly from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkey, are statistically overrepresented in certain violent crimes in Germany, including those occurring in public spaces like train stations.
The rise in violent crime is not the only concern. There has also been an increase in acts of property damage, with 17,595 incidents compared to 16,786 in the same period of 2024. Despite these increases, it's worth noting that the number of drug-related offenses decreased from 5,839 to 4,475 in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
In response to these developments, Martin Hess, a member of the German Bundestag for the AfD, has called for more police presence at train stations and on trains. Hess also proposed a "zero tolerance strategy against violent criminals" and the "consistent deportation of criminal foreigners."
Strategies for prevention and response focus on enhanced security measures at stations and on trains, targeted integration policies, improved border control and deportation enforcement, and railway infrastructure protection against sabotage. The final balance for 2025 can only be drawn up at the end of the year.
This news comes as a response to a minor inquiry by the AfD parliamentary group and was first reported by "Die Welt." It's crucial to remember that while these statistics highlight an increase in certain offenses, it's essential to approach the issue with a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors at play, including migration, integration, cultural backgrounds, and societal dynamics.
References:
- Die Welt
- [Bundesregierung](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/justiz-und-innere-sicherheit/gesetzgebung/gesetze-und-gesetzesinitiativen/gesetz-zur-verhinderung-und-bekaempfung-von-gewalttaten-an-bahnhofen-und-bahnanlagen-2019-12-04-art-1-1-1-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1
- The rise in violent crimes and weapon offenses, particularly knife attacks at train stations and on trains, has initiated discussions around politics, general news, and crime-and-justice in Germany.
- Martin Hess, a member of the German Bundestag for the AfD, has proposed a response to the increase in violent crime by advocating for increased police presence, a "zero tolerance strategy against violent criminals," and the consistent deportation of criminal foreigners.
