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Only Half of Germans Say Public Spaces Feel Safe, ARD Poll Finds

The results elevate security as a political issue, with a narrow majority crediting the AfD with grasping public fears.

Overview

  • Perceived safety fell five points since February to 50%, while 48% now view public spaces as rather or very unsafe.
  • Women report markedly lower security than men, with 45% of women feeling rather safe versus 56% of men, and 53% of women judging public spaces unsafe.
  • AfD supporters are the most anxious group, with 79% saying they do not feel safe, and 52% of respondents saying the AfD understands these fears better than other parties.
  • Perceptions have deteriorated over the longer term, down from about 75% feeling safe in 2017 according to earlier polling.
  • Official 2024 police data show total recorded crime fell 1.7%, while crimes against personal freedom rose 5.3% and sexualized violence increased 9.3% to over 13,000 cases; 38% of women worry about sexual harassment versus 8% of men.