Germany: Rise in Violent Crime Linked with Increase in Migration
Research conducted on Lower Saxony showed a correlation between the rise in violent crime and the increase in the influx of migrants. Lower Saxony is considered an average state but experienced a steady rise in its number of migrants who were mostly from North Africa. According to data from police, the northern state recorded a 10.4% increase in violent crimes from 2015 to 2016.
Using figures provided by the state’s interior ministry, the study offered its opinion that 92.1% of the total increase in violent crimes during this period was directly linked to migrants.
The study which was funded by the government indicated that most of the migrants who arrived in Germany the past few years were single males aged 14 to 30. The researchers identified this demographic as the group most likely to commit crime regardless of nationality.
It should be noted that the researchers suggested migrants were twice as likely to be reported to police for committing violent crimes as well as become victims of violence themselves. Data also showed that a third of the victims reported in the incidence of violent crime were also migrants.
Prominent criminologist Christian Pfeiffer who spearheaded the study which was published by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences believes sociology played a big factor in influencing the behaviour of migrants.
Pfeiffer noted that most of the migrants came from Muslim countries that were characterized by male dominated societies and where the “macho culture” is used to validate acts of violence. Another contributing factor could be the lack of women among the refugee population:
“This makes it more likely for groups of young men to emerge among the refugees and they can develop a violent dynamic of their own.” Pfeiffer offered the suggestion that refugees be allowed to bring their own families.
The findings of the study have increased pressure coming from the Right for re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel to come up with stricter measures, tighter controls and increased deportations.
However those from the Left like Verena Herb, spokeswoman for the Families Ministry, believe the government should look at ways to better integrate migrants into society:
“It is true that since 2015 there has been a rise in violent crime that the authors attribute to the arrival of refugees. But they also make very clear that refugees aren’t generally more criminal than for example, Germans.
In our view, this shows once more that those who come here mustn’t be left to their own devices. Only that way can we ensure that boredom and frustration don’t result in criminal behaviour.”
Since 2015 more than one million migrants mostly from war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and abusive governments from Africa have arrived in Germany as beneficiaries of Chancellor Merkel’s open-door policy.
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