December 23, 2025, 11:59 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Despite a slight decline, theft on trains remains a problem. According to the Federal Police, 8,343 thefts of bags and hand luggage on open routes were reported in the first ten months of the year—about 1,800 fewer than in the same period in 2024 (10,119 cases). Even then, the number was declining.

Especially now, when over five million passengers travel by train during the Christmas season, the risk rises again. Unfortunately, among the many travelers, there are also criminals.

Tips on How to Protect Yourself From Theft

Always Carry Valuables on Your Person

The most important rule for train travelers is: Never leave valuables like phones or wallets unattended. “We recommend travelers carry valuables like wallets or phones on their person and take them with them when leaving their seat,” says a railway spokesperson.

This applies not only when going to the restroom or visiting the onboard bistro but also when taking a short nap. A backpack between the legs or a phone on the adjacent seat can quickly disappear in such moments. If you like, you can also ask your seat neighbors to keep an eye on your luggage.

Caution on Short Routes in Urban Areas

Special attention is required for short sections between stations in densely populated areas. Here, perpetrators are often particularly active, as the railway spokesperson explains.

Large Luggage? Visual Contact is the Best Protection

Long-distance travelers with large suitcases should ensure they keep an eye on their luggage—even if it cannot be stored directly at the seat. The railway recommends choosing seats on bahn.de or in the DB Navigator app that allow you to keep a good view of the luggage racks in the entrance area or in the middle of the car.

Ideally, luggage should be stored above your own seat or under the seat.

Be Especially Cautious on the Platform

The Federal Police also urge caution—especially when boarding and alighting and on the platform. Thieves often take advantage of the crowd there. A common trick: One thief bumps into the victim to distract them, while the second takes the smartphone from the pocket or the wallet from the backpack.

Valuables should therefore be kept in a lockable inner pocket—preferably in the jacket—and should never be left unattended.

How to React Correctly in Case of Theft

If you are robbed on the train, you should act calmly. First, the Federal Police recommends taking stock: What exactly is missing? Can a smartphone, for example, be located? Then proceed as follows:

• Check the surroundings: If the perpetrator is still nearby, try to remember their appearance. Other passengers can also provide clues. Important: “Do not pursue anyone and do not take unnecessary risks,” emphasizes the Federal Police.
• Inform train staff: According to the railway spokesperson, train attendants are on board every ICE and IC train and can call in the Federal Police in an emergency. The loudspeaker system can also be used to ask for traveling police officers. If no staff are available, the emergency call station on the train can help.
• Contact the police: The emergency number 110 is also available on the train.
• Note details: Information such as train number, route, time, car, and seat number helps the police and is important when reviewing possible video recordings.
• Block cards and phone: If bank cards are stolen, immediately call the emergency blocking number 116 116. If a smartphone is lost, the SIM card should be blocked, and passwords for online services should be changed. Stolen IDs must also be reported—especially if the online ID function is activated, which should be blocked as soon as possible, according to the Federal Police.

As unpleasant as a theft may be, with attention, preparation, and quick action, the damage can be limited or even completely avoided.

With material from dpa