Despite a low unemployment rate and a fairly well developed police force, Frankfurt is considered the crime capital of Germany. Although crime rates in Frankfurt are still low compared to many other European cities, it is necessary to be cautious when traveling throughout the city.

The vast majority of crimes committed in Frankfurt involve robbery, pickpocketing, or illicit drugs. Politically motivated crimes and ethnic crimes are not prevalent in the city. Also, residential robberies, car thefts, and murders have all declined significantly over the past decade. In fact, reports of car thefts have decreased by 75 percent since 1997.

People traveling on the city's subways are particularly prone to incidences of theft, pickpocketing, and robbery. If you are traveling on the subway, especially at night, it is a good idea to make sure you are traveling in a group to minimize your exposure to these types of crimes. Take extra care when traveling through the red light district of the Hauptbahnhof subway, as this is a major area for drug peddling and related crimes.

When traveling throughout the city, be sure not to leave your personal property unattended, as this is an easy target for thieves. Also, use caution when visiting outdoor markets, internet cafes, and restaurants – these are places where pickpocketing and theft incidents are commonly reported.

Vehicle vandalism is another crime that has been on the rise in Frankfurt over the past several years. Most commonly, criminals will “snatch and grab" items from the vehicle by breaking a window to gain access to personal property.

Illegal drugs are widely available throughout the city. Cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, and marijuana are most common. You may encounter users near main subway and train stations, as well as in public parks and nightclubs.

In several areas of the city, “shooting galleries" have been established, where residents can take drugs (although drugs may not be sold in these areas). The distribution of clean needles is common in these areas.

Women traveling at night should take care to avoid the Elbestrasse and Taunusstrasse, which are the main sex drags in the city.

Law enforcement in Frankfurt is considered very responsive, and expats are strongly encouraged to contact police if a crime occurs. To reach the police in Frankfurt in the event of emergency, dial 110 from any pay phone or cellular phone. In the rare event that you are the victim of a crime which involves physical injury, dial 112 to obtain emergency medical assistance.

If you need additional assistance, you can contact the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt:

U.S. Consulate General

Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt AM Main

Routine calls: (069) 7535-2100, 2-4pm Monday-Friday

Emergencies only: (069) 7535-0

Fax: (069) 7535-2304

Hours: 7:30am-11:30, Monday-Friday

Frankfurt.usconsulate.gov

Please note that the Consulate is closed on American and German Holidays.