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Theft in Baden-Württemberg drops to decade-low levels in 2022

Fewer thefts, higher clearance rates, but rising prices keep losses steep. How Baden-Württemberg turned the tide on its most common crime.

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The image shows a group of people standing on the ground, holding a banner that reads "Deutschland,...
The image shows a group of people standing on the ground, holding a banner that reads "Deutschland, Lagerland Migration is Not a Crime" and a flag. In the background, we can see street poles, street lights, trees, cranes, a building, and a cloudy sky.

There's less theft in the Southwest - Theft in Baden-Württemberg drops to decade-low levels in 2022

Thefts in Southwest Germany Drop Sharply—But Financial Losses Remain HighInterior Minister Strobl warns against complacency

A lipstick snatched from a drugstore, a wallet lifted at a Christmas market, a bike stolen from a university campus: in Baden-Württemberg, a theft is reported to police roughly every three minutes. While that may sound alarming, the number of thefts in the state is actually declining. Last year, authorities recorded 158,189 cases—a drop of 8.3 percent compared to the previous year.

Excluding the low-crime pandemic years, this marks the second-lowest figure in the past decade, according to data shared by the Interior Ministry with the German Press Agency. Since 2016, thefts have fallen by 25.7 percent—equivalent to around 55,000 fewer cases per year than a decade ago. "That means over 1,000 fewer thefts occur each week now than they did ten years ago," said Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU).

The clearance rate has also hit a high: 38.1 percent of theft cases were solved last year—the highest figure in a decade, per the ministry. "This shows that police are tackling the issue effectively and with persistence," Strobl noted. Theft offenses still account for the largest share of recorded crimes at 28.7 percent, with roughly a quarter involving shoplifting. Bike thefts and thefts from or involving vehicles each make up about 11 percent of cases.

Despite the decline in incidents, the financial toll remains substantial. While total losses fell by 10.4 percent last year to around €220 million—down from €246 million in 2022—this still ranks as the second-highest figure of the past decade. The ministry attributes this to rising prices, as well as thieves growing more professional and targeting higher-value goods. Additional property damage during thefts further drives up costs.

Strobl urged the public to stay vigilant: "Thieves exploit every opportunity—unlocked bikes, open car windows, unsecured merchandise. So keep an eye on your valuables and those around you. Stay alert, watchful, and attentive." Though thefts are less frequent, he cautioned, the problem has not disappeared.

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