Germany: Factors behind higher crime suspect rates among migrant youth

According to the 2025 Police Crime Statistics, non-German male youths are registered as suspects approximately 3.5 times more frequently than their German counterparts when adjusted for population share. Criminologists Susann Prätor and Yvonne Krieg identify several contributing factors beyond origin.

Key drivers include demographic structures, such as the higher prevalence of young men in certain groups, and differences in reporting behavior, with non-German suspects being reported for violent crimes twice as often as Germans. Socioeconomic status is also a significant factor: 23.3 percent of minors with a migration background are at risk of poverty, compared to 6.8 percent of those without.

Other influences include personal environments, such as experiences of domestic violence or discrimination. Regarding attitudes toward violence, 9.6 percent of non-German male youths expressed support for violence, compared to 5.2 percent of German male youths. Experts suggest reducing youth crime through improved educational opportunities, language support, social work in schools, and psychological assistance.