Traveling by train during the Christmas season?

Traveling by train during the Christmas season? - Beware of thieves - Traveling by train during the Christmas season? - Beware of thieves

Train travel in Germany brings risks of theft, especially during busy seasons. Professional pickpockets often target passengers on trains and at stations, with phones and backpacks being common targets. Yet not all missing items are stolen—many are simply left behind.

Between 2022 and 2024, federal police in Baden-Württemberg recorded around 1,800 to 2,250 thefts per year on trains. Hotspots include routes between Mannheim, Heidelberg, Bruchsal, Stuttgart, and Ulm. The Christmas season sees a particular spike in incidents.

Passengers are advised to keep valuables close to their body and in sight at all times. If theft occurs, victims should alert train staff immediately and contact federal police. Witnesses can also provide crucial information.

Not all losses are due to crime. Each year, around 250,000 items are lost or forgotten on trains and at stations nationwide. Many of these are recovered—about 60 percent on average. High-value items like laptops have an even higher return rate, reaching up to 90 percent. A recent example involved an 18th-century viola left on a Stuttgart S-Bahn train, which was successfully returned through the railway’s lost-and-found service.

Theft remains a persistent issue on German trains, but many lost items are eventually recovered. Authorities urge passengers to stay vigilant and report incidents quickly. Recovery rates show that prompt action increases the chances of getting belongings back.