Immigrant-related violence exaggerated statistics revealed as false
In recent times, a series of claims have been circulating on social media platforms about an alleged increase in crime rates in Germany, particularly those involving migrants. However, a closer look at the facts reveals a different story.
Firstly, it's important to note that the numbers for 2023, as presented in some claims, are fabricated. The Federal Crime Situation Report shows a decrease in crime numbers, contradicting the sensationalised figures.
The Police Crime Statistics (PKS) is not a reliable source for examining the connection between migration and criminal activity, according to Martin Rettenberger, Director of the Criminalistic Central Office. This is because many numbers taken from Federal Crime Situation Reports are incorrect, and the numbers are not correctly assigned to the categories.
Dietrich Oberwittler, Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, echoes this sentiment, stating that the PKS should not be seen as a true reflection of reality but is an important information source on the crime situation.
One of the claims has been the increase in crimes such as sexual assaults from 2014 to 2018 to 2023. However, this number is not a meaningful comparison due to the Criminal Law Reform 2016. The correct category for the number of 6,046 "sexual assaults" from the claim can be found in the Federal Crime Situation Report, but it is called "Crimes against Sexual Self-Determination" there.
Moreover, the data from 2014 and 2018 cannot be meaningfully compared with each other due to changes in the definition of migrants. Since 2017, asylum seekers with positively concluded procedures have also been included in the "migrants" category.
Misinformation about crime is a known narrative against refugees, and the PKS is often used for misinformation. For instance, the claim of "daily group rapes" by asylum seekers in Germany, made by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz before the Bundestag election in 2025, was found to be without evidence.
The numbers aim to stir up sentiment against refugees who came to Germany during the so-called "refugee crisis." However, the fact remains that in 2023, the proportion of non-German suspects, including migrants, is 38% for "crimes against life", around 37% for "violent crimes", and around 28% for "crimes against sexual self-determination".
It's crucial to approach such claims with scepticism and to verify the sources. Misleading information can create unnecessary fear and division in society. Let's strive for a more informed and inclusive discourse.
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