Hamburg, February 12 – The number of criminal offenses in Hamburg decreased by five percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the latest police crime statistics. The decline was observed across all seven districts of the city. Violent crimes saw an even more significant reduction.
Overall Crime Decreases, Clearance Rate Rises
The 2025 crime statistics, presented on Thursday, recorded 213,596 offenses, which is 11,317 fewer than in the previous year. Police President Falk Schnabel expressed satisfaction that nearly half of these cases were solved, marking the highest clearance rate since 1997.
“The risk of being affected by a crime is at a historically low level,” stated Interior Senator Andy Grote (SPD). He particularly highlighted a five percent reduction in violent offenses, bringing the total to 8,514 cases. One-third of these incidents occurred in the St. Pauli and St. Georg districts, which also account for the highest number of robberies. Alcohol and drugs increasingly play a role in crimes in St. Pauli.
Decline in Use of Knives and Firearms
The statistics also show a decrease in the use of knives and firearms in registered crimes in 2025. Knife-related offenses dropped by almost 35 percent to 261 incidents, while firearm-related offenses decreased by approximately 12 percent to 262 incidents.
Police attribute this trend, in part, to the general ban on knives in public transport. Grote noted that buses and trains have become safer, with violent crimes in public transport decreasing by 12.4 percent. Burglaries, car break-ins or thefts, and pickpocketing also saw a decline.
Homicides Remain Stable, Sexual Violence Rises
The number of homicides in 2025, with 17 completed and 49 attempted murder and manslaughter cases, remained at the average level of the past 25 years. However, police observed an increase in attempted or completed homicides within domestic partnerships. Among the five victims killed in current or former partnerships, all were adult women. In three cases, the act indicated a so-called femicide.
The number of rapes increased by 34 cases, an 11.9 percent rise. In over 80 percent of the 319 cases, there was a prior relationship between the victim and the suspect, with one-third of suspects being family members. Police suggest that increased awareness campaigns may have led to a greater willingness to report such crimes. “At the same time, we must be concerned that despite increasing reporting willingness, many crimes in the areas of domestic violence and rape still go undetected,” Grote added.
Online Fraud and Political Criticism
Statistics on online fraud appear misleading, showing a decrease. However, this is primarily because perpetrators located abroad are not included in these figures. When these cases are considered, there is a slight increase in online fraud.
Despite the overall positive trend, political parties voiced criticism. SPD Interior Senator Grote concluded: “Hamburg is a safe city, and it became even safer last year.” However, he acknowledged the persistent issues of increasing online fraud and domestic violence. The Left Party criticized that Hamburg is safe “except for women.” The Greens also called for action on sexual violence and public safety. The CDU demanded a more visible police presence, while the AfD pointed to the 319 rapes as no cause for complacency.
Police Union Calls for Harsher Sentences
Thomas Jungfer of the police union acknowledged the seemingly positive figures but expressed concern about a higher “dark figure” of unreported crimes. “I believe the dark figure is much higher because many people in the population now say: I won’t file a complaint because the sentences are too lenient,” Jungfer stated. He called for more judicial personnel and harsher sentences.
Fatalities Linked to ‘Shock Calls’
In Hamburg, three elderly women died following fraudulent “shock calls.” In one case, a direct link between the call and the death has been established by the public prosecutor’s office.
Previous Reports and Future Outlook
In 2024, the number of recorded crimes decreased by four percent compared to the previous year, though violent crimes increased, particularly in two districts. Following the partial legalization of cannabis, 42 fines were issued in Hamburg over ten months, according to a Senate response to a CDU inquiry. Earlier reports in 2024 also indicated a decline in burglaries and car thefts.
This topic was broadcast on NDR 90.3 | NDR 90.3 Aktuell | 12.02.2026 | 13:00 Uhr.
