Karlsruhe police report rise in sexual offenses and cocaine crimes

In Karlsruhe, Police President Caren Denner reported shifting crime trends for 2026. While residential burglaries and phone scams targeting the elderly have significantly decreased, other areas have seen sharp rises. Sexual offenses increased by 9.3 percent, with a notable 47 percent surge in the distribution of child pornography. Additionally, resistance against police officers rose by 17 percent.

Drug-related crimes are also on the rise, particularly involving cocaine. Denner noted a possible correlation between these trends and the legalization of cannabis. Local police reported success in dismantling a dealer group at the Marktplatz, resulting in arrest warrants for twelve primary suspects. Specific hotspots for violence in the city include Amalienstraße, Karlstraße, and the Marktplatz.