Germany: Residential Burglaries Increase by 22.5% Over Three-Year Period

Residential burglary surge in Germany

Official data from Eurostat confirms a sustained, three-year rise in residential burglaries across Germany. Between 2021 and 2024, the total number of recorded cases increased by 22.5%. The volume of these offences grew from 243,174 cases in 2021 to 297,986 cases in 2024, marking a consistent upward trajectory in criminal activity targeting private residences.

3 straight years of increase

The escalation in residential burglaries has been documented annually since 2021. In the first year of this period, authorities recorded 243,174 cases. By 2022, the count rose to 260,605. The momentum accelerated significantly in 2023, with recorded cases reaching 297,432. This trend continued into 2024, which saw 297,986 residential burglaries, representing the highest annual count within this three-year period.

Rate per 100,000

When normalized against population size, the data reveals the intensity of the burglary rate across different regions. In 2024, the national landscape was characterized by varying levels of risk. The highest rate of residential burglaries was recorded in DE-HB, where the incidence reached 225.67 per 100,000 inhabitants. This was closely followed by DE-BE, which reported a rate of 225.5 per 100,000. Other regions also exhibited significant rates, such as DE-HH at 157.47 per 100,000 and DE-NW at 156.48 per 100,000.

Where it hits hardest

In terms of absolute case volume for 2024, DE-NW recorded the highest number of residential burglaries with 28,464 cases. This was followed by DE-BE with 8,529 cases, DE-NI with 7,203 cases, and DE-HE with 5,867 cases. Other regions reported lower absolute numbers, including DE-BW (5,286), DE-BY (3,605), DE-HH (3,008), DE-SH (2,957), DE-RP (2,626), DE-BB (2,557), DE-SN (2,243), DE-ST (1,696), DE-HB (1,561), and DE-TH (1,053). When evaluating the burden of crime by population density, DE-HB remains the worst-hit area with a rate of 225.67 per 100,000.

About these figures

These statistics are sourced from Eurostat and represent officially recorded cases of residential burglary in Germany. The data reflects the number of incidents reported to and processed by law enforcement agencies. The figures provided cover the 16 administrative areas of Germany and track the progression of these specific offences over the four-year window from 2021 to 2024.