Public Transport - Safety in public transportation is declining - Aggression is increasing
Railways stations are not uncommon crime hotspots - and many crimes are committed there as well. In Baden-Württemberg, according to the police, around 6,300 people were victims of assault crimes in public transportation (PTV) in the past year. This was an increase of 6.4% compared to the previous year. The state government announced this in response to a Green party inquiry in the state parliament. The good news: Three out of four assault crimes in PTV were solved.
Assault crimes, according to the Criminal Statistics of the Interior Ministry, are crimes against life, bodily integrity, freedom, and sexual self-determination at railway stations, railway facilities, and all trains except long-distance trains.
1,025 people were also victims of threats in PTV in 2023 - this is roughly at the level of 2022. In 2021, there were 680 victims. Fare-controllers were threatened more frequently than passengers.
More crimes in public transportation
The number of offenses in PTV as a whole increased by nearly 30% in 2023 compared to the previous year to 83,600. This was about a third of all offenses in the public sphere. A third of the reported PTV offenses were violations of the Residency Law and other regulations that only apply to this group of people. A quarter was Schwarzfahren and 15% was theft. The number of property damages in PTV decreased by 28.6% in 2023 to approximately 5,000 cases.
The passenger association Pro Bahn sees railway stations above all as an Eldorado for drug crime. Dealers could use the ticket offices as a depot for their trade, said Federal Chairman Detlef Neuß. At the larger of the roughly 5,000 railway stations nationwide, there is sufficient security personnel. However, he would like to see more controls at smaller stations without their own personnel. DB Security and the Federal Police should at least show sporadic presence there. "Criminals should not feel safe there - we expect that." He appealed to travelers to look out for each other and to call the police if necessary.
Railway companies demand more security forces
The railway companies are demanding an increased deployment of security forces, as stated in the government's response. They also often call for more focused controls by the Federal Police.
All railway companies confirmed that the presence of security personnel on trains and at stations gives passengers a good feeling of security. Regular patrols of trains lead to a noticeable decrease in incidents.
For example, additional security personnel were deployed during carnival celebrations. This made it possible, according to reports, to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed on trains and minimize damage to trains.
The railway company SWEG Stuttgart has agreed with the Transport Ministry since January 2022 on an additional contingent of up to 800 personnel hours. These are mainly used for the security zones around major events at the Cannstatter Wasen and during the Spring Festival.
- In response to increasing incidents of crime, the railway companies have advocated for a larger deployment of the Federal Police to enhance security at smaller stations.
- The Federal Police, in addition to their duties, have been urged by railway companies to make periodic appearances at understaffed railway stations to deter potential criminals.
- The Federal Police, alongside railway companies, played a crucial role in providing additional security personnel during major events like carnival celebrations, leading to a decrease in alcohol-related incidents and damage to trains.
- In Baden-Württemberg, the Federal Police, along with other law enforcement agencies, are tasked with addressing the rising instances of assault crimes and other offenses in public transport, including railway stations and facilities.
