Review of the Twin Law Enforcement Unit "Bahnhof-Center" led by the Bundespolizeinspektion and Police Directorate Leipzig, for the year 2023, shared jointly by both authorities.

In the heart of Leipzig, Germany, the city centre district serves as a bustling hub for tourists, commuters, and locals alike. With over 135,000 travelers and visitors daily, it is Europe's largest marshalling yard, Leipzig Central Station, that forms a significant part of this vibrant scene.

However, recent statistics reveal a concerning trend. The number of registered shoplifting cases in the city centre district for the year 2023 reached 1,367, marking a significant increase of 74 percent with 582 cases. The preferred stolen goods in these incidents were mainly clothing items from various brands and stores, as well as high-end perfumes.

The rise in shoplifting cases is not the only concerning trend. The Federal Police have reported an increase in violent crimes at Leipzig's central train station, with 922 cases in 2023, a 28 percent increase compared to the previous year. Hotspots for violent crimes in the city centre include the exits of the central train station, Mayor Müller Park, Kleine Willy-Brandt-Platz, and Swan Pond.

The area around the central train station also serves as a hotspot for narcotics crime. An open dealing scene has been established in parks like Mayor Müller Park and the Swan Pond. Public transportation in Leipzig, with its good connections to buses, trams, and regional trains, is unfortunately used by criminals for the procurement and transportation of narcotics. In 2023, 353 narcotics offenses were registered in the Leipzig city centre district, representing an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year.

To address these issues, the Joint Deployment Group "Train Station-Center" was established since January 10, 2000. This group bridges the gap in the work of federal and state police at Leipzig's main railway station and its surroundings. In 2023, the group controlled over 5,100 people, searched over 2,500, and issued over 250 dispersal orders.

The Railway Centre Deployment Group has undergone structural changes between 2013 and 2016 due to infrastructure and societal changes, as well as the migration movement. In 2015/2016, Leipzig created a central initial reception facility, adding another focus to the GEG's work, handling foreign law offenses such as illegal entry and residence, as well as processing asylum applications.

Notable incidents in 2023 include a robbery in the Leipzig district of Center-East on June 2, where a 23-year-old Tunisian suspect was apprehended. The suspect resisted during the subsequent search, kicking repeatedly, and a drug test also tested positive for cocaine. On April 26, two Libyan suspects were apprehended after a shoplifting incident in a clothing store at Höfe am Brühl. One of the suspects resisted and attempted to injure an officer with a headbutt.

For inquiries, contact the Federal Police Inspectorate Leipzig at the provided contact information. It is crucial to continue addressing these issues to ensure the safety and security of the city centre and its visitors.