Bavaria’s Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann presented the crime statistics for 2024 – with a positive overall picture: the crime rate in Bavaria has fallen slightly, the clearance rate remains at a high level and the Free State continues to maintain its leading position in internal security. At the same time, new challenges are emerging, particularly in the areas of violent crime, migration and cyber security.
In 2024, the Bavarian police recorded a total of 4,218 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants (excluding offences under immigration law). This corresponds to a decrease of 3.3 percent. The clearance rate is 64.9 percent and thus remains at a high level. Herrmann emphasised: ‘Bavaria remains one of the safest federal states. But we are not resting on our laurels – our police continuously analyse crime trends and adapt operational concepts and presence measures accordingly.’ Even though not all federal states have yet published their figures, Herrmann was optimistic: ‘Bavaria will continue to play a pioneering role in the field of internal security.’
Impact of cannabis legalisation
One significant factor influencing the decline in crime is the new legal regulation on cannabis use. Certain offences that were previously punishable are now no longer prosecuted. In 2024, the Bavarian police recorded a total of 31,145 cases of drug-related crime – a decrease of around 39 percent compared to the previous year. There was a particularly sharp decline in cannabis-related offences, which fell by almost 56 per cent to 15,270 cases. Herrmann is critical of this development: ‘The Cannabis Act gives the police additional control and monitoring responsibilities. It also encourages illegal trade and strengthens the black market. Bavaria will therefore continue to take consistent action against drug-related crime.’ Herrmann called for a revision of the law: ‘The legalisation of cannabis was a serious mistake that is putting a massive strain on both people’s health and the work of the police.’
Increase in non-German suspects
The interior minister expressed concern about the increasing proportion of non-German suspects. In 2024, 41 per cent of a total of 259,065 suspects were non-German (2023: 39.6 per cent). While the proportion of the population in Bavaria that is non-German has risen from 9.3 per cent to 16 per cent since 2010, their share of all suspects has increased from 23.7 per cent to 41 per cent. ‘The uncontrolled migration of recent years is putting a massive strain on our country and is also affecting the security situation. We urgently need a change of direction in the federal government’s migration policy,’ Herrmann explained.
Violent crime on the rise
A worrying trend is emerging in the area of violent crime: the number of cases rose by 5.2 per cent to a total of 22,693. Around 78 per cent of these offences involved dangerous and grievous bodily harm. It is striking that 63.3 per cent of violent crime took place in public spaces. The number of suspects who were minors also increased by 8.7 per cent. In response, Bavaria has set up the working group ‘Bayern. 360° Sicherheit’ (Bavaria. 360° Security), which, among other things, is planning increased police presence in city centres and station areas. In addition, more riot police units are being deployed. In cooperation with local authorities, Bavaria is also considering alcohol-free zones and restrictions on cannabis and weapon possession in certain places. There are also plans to expand video surveillance.
Sex offences: significant increase
The 6.6 percent increase in crimes against sexual self-determination to 17,529 cases is also worrying. There was a particularly sharp increase in cases of child pornography. Herrmann emphasised: ‘We will continue to take consistent action against the distribution of abuse images. But we often lack crucial evidence because IP addresses are not being stored. Event-driven storage is urgently needed to convict perpetrators.’ The interior minister called for a quick legal regulation at the federal level. The number of rape cases also rose by 14.3 percent to 1,493. In 75 percent of the cases, there was a prior relationship between perpetrator and victim.
Development in the area of theft
With 155,900 registered cases, theft offences remained at a high level. This corresponds to an increase of 2.2 per cent. In particular, there was a renewed increase in the number of burglaries in homes, which rose by 4.9 per cent to 3,605 cases. Nevertheless, half of all break-in attempts are unsuccessful. ‘Thanks to innovative security technology and preventive measures, we have been able to improve the protection of homes and buildings,’ explained Herrmann.
Cybercrime: decline with a high number of unreported cases
The number of crimes committed on the internet fell by 5.2 per cent to 44,917 cases. At the same time, the clearance rate rose by 7.9 percentage points to almost 60 per cent. Nevertheless, the financial damage remains enormous: at 48.9 million euros, it was significantly higher than the 28 million euros from 2021. Herrmann explained: ‘We must continue to assume a high number of unreported cases. Many cybercrimes are not reported. Increased preventive measures are needed here.’
Bavarian police remain strongly positioned
To ensure continued internal security, Bavaria continues to rely on a highly modern police force. Since 2008, 8,000 additional positions have been created. ‘And we will continue to increase. Our goal is a highly modern, well-staffed police force that ensures the highest level of security,’ said Herrmann.
Conclusion and further information
The crime statistics for 2024 show that Bavaria remains one of the safest federal states despite new challenges. Interior Minister Herrmann emphasised that the Bavarian police will continue to work consistently to reduce crime and keep the clearance rate high.
Further information and the complete crime statistics for 2024 can be found at: www.innenministerium.bayern.de www.polizei.bayern.de/kriminalitaet/statistik
