Bailiffs in Berlin: protective vests against increasing attacks!

Bailiffs in Berlin: protective vests against increasing attacks!

The judicial administration in Berlin has decided to equip bailiffs with stab and bulletproof protective vests in the future. This is in response to the increasing number of physical and verbal attacks that bailiffs in the capital are having to endure. According to information from rbb24 There are a total of 270 bailiffs working in Berlin. Of these, 222 have reported a need for protective vests, while senior bailiff D. Lüdke and colleague M. Graetz report on their alarming experiences.

The purchase costs for the protective vests are 276,000 euros, with a set costing around 1,050 euros. Graetz even survived an ax attack by a mentally disturbed debtor. Attacks like these show how dangerous the work of bailiffs has become. In 2023, bailiffs in Berlin collected around 57 million euros from debtors, further illustrating the high stress and risks associated with this activity.

Advanced protective measures

In addition to providing protective vests, the authorities intend to equip bailiffs with irritant sprayers. These devices are identical to those used by the police in North Rhine-Westphalia. Loud WDR, around 600 bailiffs have already ordered such a sprayer. Wearing protective vests during appointments remains voluntary.

To further increase security, bailiffs can also carry small alarm devices with them. These devices allow them to enter their address before appointments and, in an emergency, send their location to the police with the push of a button. This technology could be crucial in dangerous situations, especially after Karin Rages did not receive timely assistance from police during an incident.

Increasing aggression and attacks

The increase in attacks on bailiffs is not just a Berlin problem. In other federal states, such as Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, there are reports of a harsher tone and increasing aggression. State Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach announced that bailiffs in North Rhine-Westphalia will be equipped with protective vests and pepper spray this year. Loud n-tv This has already led to an increasing demand for security equipment among bailiffs.

Since 2017, the Bailiffs Association has been calling for better equipment for its members to protect them from attacks during enforcement actions. This upgrade is an urgently needed measure in the fight against the growing aggressiveness of debtors, which is particularly evident in problem clearance. The documentary about the work of bailiffs, which will be broadcast on rbb television on September 16, 2025 at 8:15 p.m., will provide further insights into this dangerous activity.