November 2007
City Safe, Despite Increases
Munich is among the safest large cities not just in Europe, but the world. Only 6 murders were registered citywide in 2006 (very few of these random acts of violence). However, according to 2006 crime statistics released by the city, there was a small increase in offenses (2.7%) over 2005 numbers. Street crime statistics had an increase of 9.7 percent in 2006, while Berlin had a decrease in this area. However, it is important to point out that although this category includes rape, robbery and serious physical injury, it also incorporates bike and auto theft as well as petty crimes, which appear to be the source of increases. Also, ongoing efforts to encourage people to report crimes can drive numbers higher. For the first nine months of 2007, the overall crime numbers do not have noticeable increases. “Right now, we are happy,” says police spokesman Andreas Ruch, who noted there were a large number of bike thefts during Oktoberfest. <<<
