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Berlin Transit Crime Falls to Decade Low, BVG Reports

BVG credits stronger patrol presence, closer police cooperation and expanded surveillance, including bodycams moving into regular use.

Overview

  • Police-registered offences fell 17.2% to 6,460 in the first half of 2025, the lowest half-year total in at least a decade.
  • Assaults on BVG employees dropped to 98 cases from 165 a year earlier, with notable declines in bodily injury (33 from 69) and threats (21 from 42).
  • The security approach features more security and cleaning patrols, 1,587 joint deployments with police in 2024 with further growth indicated this year, and smart-camera tests at Kottbusser Tor.
  • After a bodycam pilot that began in March 2024 showed a clear de‑escalating effect, BVG says the cameras will enter regular service alongside de‑escalation training.
  • Vandalism-removal spending fell to €7.6 million in the first half of 2025 from €17.1 million a year earlier, yet a BVG survey finds only about half of riders feel very or rather safe.