In 2025, police recorded thousands of violent crimes in train traffic and at stations, including over 980 knife attacks and 2,200 sexual offenses. Stations in Leipzig, Dortmund, and Berlin were particularly affected. The federal police report an increase in assaults on officers.
A report in Bild am Sonntag, drawing on federal police figures, reveals the extent of violence in the rail sector in 2025. Thousands of violent crimes were recorded, including more than 980 knife incidents and around 2,200 sexual offenses. Additionally, there were 5,660 assaults on federal police officers, up from about 5,500 the previous year.
The highest numbers were at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof with 859 incidents, followed by Dortmund (735) and Berlin (654). Over 600 cases occurred in Cologne, Hanover, and Hamburg, while Munich saw 553, Nuremberg 528, Frankfurt am Main 520, and Düsseldorf 499.
Deutsche Bahn reported approximately 3,000 physical assaults on its employees in 2025. These attacks mainly happened during ticket inspections, enforcement of house rules, and at folk festivals, major events, and soccer matches. A Bahn spokesperson stated that about one-third targeted security personnel, but cleaning and service staff were also affected.
A fatal incident in early February in Rhineland-Palatinate highlights the urgency: A train conductor was attacked during a ticket check and later died from his injuries. The suspect is in custody.
In response, representatives from the federal government, states, and Deutsche Bahn agreed on measures including more body cameras, improved protective equipment, hiring 200 additional staff for station security, de-escalation training, and an emergency button for quick assistance. Further steps will be discussed at the transport ministers' conference in early March.
