Alarming increase in juvenile crime: statistics are making waves!

Alarming increase in juvenile crime: statistics are making waves!

On Monday, April 14, 2025, the annual crime statistics were presented, documenting an alarming increase in juvenile crime. Loud crown, a total of 534,193 reports were filed in 2024, an increase of 6,183 reports or 1.2 percent compared to the previous year. The increase in crimes among ten to 14 year olds is particularly worrying. The number of ads in this age group has almost doubled since 2020.

Of the suspects, 48 ​​percent are foreign citizens, including many Syrian young people. Over the past few years, the number of complaints against Syrian citizens has increased by almost 35 percent. These developments prompted the Federal Criminal Police Office to set up the Youth Crime Task Force under the leadership of Dieter Csefan in order to get a better handle on the increasing numbers of intensive offenders.

Causes and backgrounds

The reasons for the rising crime rate are complex. Juvenile crime predominantly affects male young people and is not limited to certain ethnic groups or social classes. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education notes, many young people stop engaging in criminal activity as they grow older. A large proportion of crimes, particularly in the area of ​​property crime, are committed by young people who have committed several crimes before their 14th birthday.

Societal and social factors play a significant role in juvenile crime. Socioeconomic backgrounds, lack of family supervision and peer pressure are crucial elements that influence young people's behavior. The need for preventative measures is apparent, with the LivingQuarter emphasized in her remarks that integration and social programs can make a decisive contribution to reducing crime.

Measures and solutions

In order to combat increasing youth crime, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is calling for, among other things, a suspension of family reunification for Syrian citizens as well as further measures such as instructions on the rules after crimes. The police are also in favor of stronger digital investigation skills and improved legal frameworks.

The Youth Court Act (JGG) aims to promote educational measures instead of punishment when dealing with juvenile delinquency. This includes various response options, from directives to social training courses to community service. In addition, the legal regulations ensure that the privacy of young people is protected through non-public negotiations.

The current challenges in the area of ​​juvenile crime are shaped by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing migration trend and the use of social media. Sustainable prevention approaches are therefore essential to both strengthen social cohesion and promote proactive measures to prevent crime. To be successful, these programs must address the needs of youth and be developed in close collaboration with the community.

In summary, it can be said that the scope for action to combat youth crime includes not only legal measures, but also social responsibility and preventative educational offers. Positive change within society can only be achieved through the interaction of all affected actors.