Fewer crimes than in 40 years - but one development is worrying the Munich police

Created: 03/18/2022, 20:38

By: Claudia Schuri

Crime in Munich is declining - but there are some problem areas.

© Symbolic photo / dpa

The good news: In Munich in 2021 there were fewer crimes than at any time since 1980.

But there are also some worrying developments, such as child violence.

Munich – The case shocked everyone: an 18-year-old died in a stabbing among young people earlier this week.

The deceased teenager initially pulled a knife himself and seriously injured a 15-year-old.

He was then stabbed by a 16-year-old - and later died in hospital.

Crimes committed by youth gangs were a focus of the Munich police last year, as police chief Thomas Hampel reported on Friday at the presentation of the police crime statistics for 2021.

"These youth groups were particularly noticeable through violent or even armed conflicts, drug-related offences, damage to property, theft or robbery," he explained, emphasizing: "We act consistently."

Munich: Crime statistics suggest a "significant increase" in child crimes

Intensive cooperation with the youth welfare office and youth welfare institutions, preventive measures and an increased presence at relevant locations are also part of the strategy.

An advantage: The young people have their specific meeting places, which are known to the officials.

Overall, the proportion of juvenile and adolescent suspects in Munich remained about the same last year.

But: "In 2021 we noticed a significant increase in suspected children," says Hampel.

In 2021, 66 more children under the age of 14 were suspected of causing dangerous bodily harm than in the previous year.

Criminal offenses in Munich: 87,115 registered offenses - that's 10 percent less than in the previous year

But there is also good news: Overall, the number of all crimes fell by around ten percent.

The Munich police registered 87,115 crimes – this is the lowest level since 1980. “Munich remains the safest German city,” stressed Hampel.

Violent crime fell by almost 15 percent to 3,496 cases.

The number of dangerous or serious bodily injuries was at its lowest level since 2001. Contrary to many expectations, domestic violence was also on the decline.

Unfortunately, however, there were 31 attempted murders and manslaughter, and unfortunately 15 completed.

Theft and call center fraud also declined.

Rape, sexual coercion and sexual assault also decreased.

On the other hand, there was an increase of almost 16 percent in the distribution of child pornography.

A new criminal inspectorate is therefore being set up to combat sexualized violence against children and child and youth pornography.

The clear-up rate for the police in Munich was 64.4 percent.