Berlin Struggles With Crime Wave As Police Chief Warns Immigration ‘Limit Reached’

Berlin’s growing immigrant population has created an unsustainable situation, Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik warned, as migrant-related crime continues to strain the city’s resources. Speaking with RBB, Slowik expressed that current immigration levels are both financially and socially unsustainable, suggesting Germany needs a strong societal approach to restore public order.

“I believe that a limit has been reached as to what is affordable,” she stated, underscoring the need to address rising violent crime linked to immigrants. Recent data shows Germany’s crime rate rose by 5.5% over the past year, with a sharp 17.8% increase in non-German suspects. The statistics have sparked calls for stricter measures to prevent crime and restore public trust.

Berlin Interior Senator Iris Spranger recently introduced proposals to expand police authority, including access to biometric data and encrypted communications. These enhanced powers aim to help police better prevent and respond to crime. Naturalizations in Berlin are also on the rise, as a new citizenship law allows applicants to qualify after just five years of residence.

Slowik advocated for initiatives to integrate immigrants into German society from a young age, with programs focused on democratic values starting as early as kindergarten. She also suggested creating a facility specifically for young offenders to help reduce repeat offenses, though plans for such a facility remain uncertain.

As Berlin grapples with rising crime and resource challenges, calls for comprehensive immigration and crime policies are growing louder. For many, the need to address this crisis is urgent, with citizens demanding that Germany prioritize security in the face of escalating social and financial pressures.