Or to put it geographically: where darkness makes more thieves...
The number of burglaries in Germany has changed considerably over the past four years. Thieves take advantage of opportunities, particularly in the dark winter months. However, the trend varies greatly from region to region, with no clear difference between urban and rural areas.
While there has been a welcome decline in burglaries in some regions, the figures are rising significantly in other areas. Nexiga's "Crime" data package can be used to carry out regional analyses that are relevant for many sectors.
Risk winter months
The number of reported burglaries increases, especially in the winter months. The early darkness in the evening hours creates more opportunities for criminals to remain undetected. The vacation period around Christmas also often leads to an increase in the number of burglaries.
In the long term, however, the figures are stable and not alarming. After peaking in 2015 with over 167,000 cases, the number of domestic burglaries fell steadily to around 55,000 in 2021, with the pandemic playing a decisive role. Just under 78,000 burglaries were reported nationwide in 2023.
Metropolitan areas and large cities record the most burglaries in absolute terms, as the population density and number of opportunities is higher here. There is therefore a high correlation with the number of inhabitants. Accordingly, Berlin and Hamburg top the list, followed by Cologne. Surprisingly, Munich, Germany's third largest city, is only in 16th place.
Larger cities are often more attractive to criminals due to their anonymity, infrastructure and economic dynamism. Good transport connections, which offer quick escape routes, can also play a decisive role for organized criminal groups, which may also operate from abroad.
Looking at the number of burglaries in relation to the number of apartments in residential and non-residential buildings (including janitor's apartments in schools or factories, for example), Mülheim an der Ruhr, Bremen and Gelsenkirchen top the list with the highest figures. By contrast, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim (both in Bavaria) are among the safest districts.
In a global comparison, Germany ranks in the middle of the pack. Countries with the highest burglary rates are the island states of Bermuda and Cape Verde, as well as wealthy nations such as New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Denmark. These countries are often characterized by strong social security and comprehensive safety precautions. Nevertheless, economic inequalities and unemployment can lead to higher crime rates in some regions. Especially in highly urbanized areas, there are often more opportunities for burglaries, as there are more households and less social control.
Regional development
The trend in burglary figures varies greatly from region to region. Our map (PDF) compares the percentage change in Germany between 2021 and 2023 (available in the Nexiga Update 2024) in the 400 districts and independent cities. No uniform regional pattern can be identified.
Districts with a strong increase, such as Weimarer Land, Rottweil or Neu-Ulm, have different settlement and economic structures. At the same time, the number of burglaries is actually falling in 72 districts, and these regions are spread across the whole of Germany, including some border regions.
The districts with the largest percentage decreases in burglary figures in a two-year comparison are also in Bavaria. The frontrunner is Garmisch-Partenkirchen, followed by Landshut, Mühldorf am Inn and Bad Kissingen.
Map on burglaries
You can find the crime feature in our database search.
Use of crime data
Statistical data on crime, such as residential burglaries, is a valuable tool for the economy, especially in areas such as insurance, real estate and security technology.
- Insurance companies use this data to carry out risk analyses and develop premium-based tariffs. Regions with a high burglary density may require higher premiums, while discounts can be offered in safer areas.
- In the real estate sector, crime data influences the valuation of residential locations. Areas with low burglary rates are considered more attractive, which has a positive effect on rental and sales prices. Conversely, high crime rates can deter potential buyers.
- Manufacturers of security technologies also benefit by developing products specifically for regions with specific security needs. Data analysis can reveal trends and vulnerabilities in order to promote innovative solutions such as intelligent alarm systems or surveillance technologies.
Overall, crime statistics enable data-based decision making, promote innovation and help to better manage risk while addressing societal security concerns.
Nexiga's Crime feature package shows the number of six criminal offenses - from assault to burglary - for different spatial levels (districts, municipalities and zip codes).
You can find more market data in our database search.
