Bailiffs in Berlin: protective vests against increasingly aggressive debtors!

Bailiffs in Berlin: protective vests against increasingly aggressive debtors!

The security of bailiffs in Germany is increasingly on the agenda. In Berlin, the justice administration is now taking action to equip officers with stab and bulletproof protective vests. A total of 270 bailiffs in the capital will receive new protective gear after a worrying rise in physical and verbal attacks from debtors. 276,000 euros are being invested in purchasing the protective vests, which underlines the seriousness of the situation. RBB24 reports that around 57 million euros were collected from debtors by bailiffs in 2023.

The senior bailiff D. Lüdke and her colleague M. Graetz illustrate the threats they are exposed to: Graetz survived an ax attack by a mentally disturbed debtor. Due to these incidents, Lüdke and Graetz have already purchased protective vests privately for 900 euros each. Of the 270 bailiffs in Berlin, 222 have reported a need for the new protective vests. The tender for their procurement is currently underway, with the cost per set being 1,050 euros.

Increase in attacks on judicial officials

The problem is not limited to Berlin. Hostility and attacks against judicial officials have also increased in Bavaria. Justice Minister Marion Gentges (CDU) drew attention to this frightening development. In addition, Brandenburg and other federal states report a harsher tone and an increase in attacks. In North Rhine-Westphalia, where bailiffs are also victims of physical attacks, State Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach has announced measures to ensure the safety of officials.

Bailiffs in North Rhine-Westphalia will be equipped with protective vests and pepper spray this year. Around 600 of 950 officers in North Rhine-Westphalia have already shown interest in irritant spray devices that are identical to those used by the police. Training on how to use the sprayer will be part of the training for bailiffs. Frank Neuhaus, the North Rhine-Westphalia head of the Bailiffs Association, reported increasing aggressiveness in enforcement actions, especially in problem clearances, which are often carried out by so-called Reich citizens. The Bailiffs Association has been calling for mandatory equipment with protective vests since 2017.

Innovative security solutions

In addition to protective equipment, bailiffs also have the option of carrying small alarm devices with them. These devices make it possible to program the address for the respective appointment and, in an emergency, send it to the police at the push of a button. Even if carrying these devices is voluntary, they offer additional security for officers.

A particularly threatening incident occurred recently when bailiff Karin Rages was attacked while asking for assistance from the police, who were unable to help due to a lack of staff. Rages was only able to free himself with the help of the mentally ill woman's father and alert the police.

In view of the increasing danger, it is to be welcomed that the judicial administration in Berlin and the state government in North Rhine-Westphalia are taking concrete measures to increase the security of bailiffs. A documentary about the work of these officials will be broadcast on rbb television on September 16, 2025 at 8:15 p.m.