Number of Crimes Against Homeless People in Germany Rises Sharply to 2,563 Cases

Left Party member of the Bundestag Mirow spoke of an unprecedented escalation of violence on our streets. A high dark figure is suspected because those affected often do not report the crimes. The actual burden is therefore significantly above the official figures.

For cases of violent crime against homeless people, the clearance rate last year was 66.5 percent; overall, the share of cleared cases was 77.5 percent. According to the report, the police clearance rate for crimes against homeless people is below average. The Interior Ministry explained that the clearance rate for crimes against homeless people tends to be lower on average than overall.

Clearance Rate Below Average

Homeless people most frequently became victims in Berlin (592 cases), followed by Bavaria (492) and North Rhine-Westphalia (310). The other federal states were below that. In absolute numbers, Berlin is thus the focal point of the development, although the Left Party points out that recording and reporting practices also play a role.

More than 2,000 cases last year were directed against homeless men; in just over 500 cases, women were affected. Men are thus significantly more frequently affected, but women account for a considerable share of the registered victims.

According to the Police Crime Statistics, nine homeless people were killed nationwide in violent attacks. The deaths stand at the end of a scale ranging from insults and property damage to grievous bodily harm and homicide.

More Homeless People, but Not the Only Reason

According to an estimate by the Federal Working Group on Housing Assistance, the number of homeless people also rose last year: from around 54,000 to 56,000. This corresponds to an increase of just under four percent. However, this increase does not explain the sharp rise in crimes, according to the report. At the beginning of 2025, more than 137,100 children and adolescents were affected by homelessness; one reason, according to the government, is the Ukraine war.

The federal government cites refugee movements in connection with the Ukraine war for the increase in homeless minors. The Left Party considers the response from the Interior Ministry not to explain a direct causal link between the four percent increase in homelessness figures and the much sharper 17 percent increase in crimes.

The Bahnhofsmission is a contact point for homeless and needy people and offers them support. On April 17, the Bahnhofsmission is honored nationwide. This brings the situation of homeless people into the focus of the public at least once a year, while the statistics show that the situation remains tense throughout the year.