Like any big city, Berlin has its fair share of petty crime, but compared to many of the world’s leading metropolises, Germany’s capital is an extremely safe place. According to the latest annual police statistics, in 2006 Berlin experienced the fewest crimes since German reunification in 1990. Theft (38.5%) accounted for the largest percentage of offences. Murder – there were 167 deaths including manslaughter cases – and sexual offences made up a tiny fraction (0.6%) of the total. Of course, there are parts of Neukölln, Wedding and easternmost Berlin you’d probably rather avoid at night, but these neighbourhoods pale in comparison to the worst bits of London and New York. The city’s public transportation system is generally safe no matter when and where it’s being used; however, isolated assaults – including on bus drivers – have been recorded. But common sense will see you through most situations in Berlin.