Migrant crime in Germany up by 50 per cent

Migrant crime in Germany rises by 50 per cent, new figures show

 

Crime has increased even when compared to that committed during the influx of migrants under Angela Merkel's 'open door' policy
Crime has increased even when compared to that committed during the influx of migrants under Angela Merkel’s ‘open door’ policy CREDIT: EPA/MICHAEL KAPPELER

The crime rate among migrants in Germany rose by more than 50 per cent last year, according to new figures that have raised concerns the populist far-Right may seize on the issue in the run-up to September’s elections.

The number of suspected crimes by refugees, asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants rose to 174,438 in 2016 — an increase of 52.7 per cent, according to the interior ministry.

“This is not something to gloss over,” Thomas de Maiziere,  the interior minister, said as he presented the figures. “Those who commit serious offences here forfeit their right to stay here.”

 Crimes by migrants had “increased disproportionately” even when the huge influx into Germany under Angela Merkel’s “open-door” refugee policy was taken into account, he said.
Refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria are statistically less likely to commit crimes than rejected asylum-seekers
Refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria are statistically less likely to commit crimes than rejected asylum-seekers CREDIT: KAI PFAFFENBACH

“The proportion of foreign suspects, and migrants in particular, is higher than the average for the general population.”

But he said all migrants should not to blamed for the crimes of a minority. “We cannot allow all refugees living among us to be put under general suspicion. The vast majority live with us and adhere to our rules and values.”

Most of the crimes are committed by repeat offenders, and just 1 per cent of migrants account for 40 per cent of migrant crimes, according to the figures.

Refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria are statistically less likely to commit crimes than rejected asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants from elsewhere.

The highest crime rate was among migrants from the Balkans, Morocco, Algeria and the former Soviet Union, who have little chance of being granted asylum.

The figures were an unwelcome headline for Mrs Merkel just five months before national elections.