One of the safest parts of Europe, since 2017 most crime rates have fallen to levels not seen for at least 25 years. Some of the country's cities are among the safest on the continent, and the violent crimes rate is 1/6 that of the US. Although Germany is generally cosmopolitan, isolated parts of East Germany (which get few visitors) have a reputation for racism. Theft is rare, but pickpocketing is a concern in some major train stations, especially in Frankfurt. Making the Hitler salute, even as a joke, is not tolerated, and every year a few drunken tourists are arrested for making this mistake.