Daycare fears in Bochum: constant threat from refugee accommodation!

Daycare fears in Bochum: constant threat from refugee accommodation!

The situation surrounding the daycare center on Höntroper Straße in Bochum is currently causing unrest and concern among parents. On July 2, 2025 at 8:00 a.m., when the children were being dropped off, the mother Alexandra Zöbisch describes a disturbing scenario: She observed a woman climbing over the fence to the daycare center and running onto the grounds. This woman, who was apparently intoxicated, was later led away from the playground by teachers. Zöbisch, who has an uneasy feeling, is forced to warn the educators by telephone. “It can’t be done!” she says, echoing the sentiments of many parents who are increasingly concerned about their children’s safety.

The daycare center is located in the immediate vicinity of a collective accommodation that has been opened mainly for refugees, but since the beginning of the year also for homeless people with addiction problems and the mentally ill. Parents like Nicola Heiland express their anger and despair at the repeated incidents that have become more frequent recently. “We asked the city, the mayor and the police for support, but to no avail,” said a frustrated Heiland. Police confirm that there are frequent calls at the accommodation and the situation has worsened in recent weeks.

Security precautions inadequate

Another pressing concern for parents is the safety of their children. The security service that monitors property boundaries 24 hours a day is now being questioned. “Where was the security service when the woman climbed over the fence?” asks a concerned mother. After the incident, the public order office ordered increased patrols on the daycare fence, but concerns remain great. The AWO, as the provider of the facility, also calls for more security precautions. “We urgently need measures to ensure security here,” emphasizes a representative of the AWO.

The city of Bochum has so far shown no interest in working directly on the incidents. A City Hall spokesman described the incident as an “isolated incident” and declined to be interviewed. But parents are not prepared to simply dismiss the issue. They hope that the city will find another place to stay for the residents of the collective accommodation in order to create better conditions for everyone.

Background to refugee accommodation

The problem also has deeper roots. The city of Bochum, like many other cities in Germany, has expanded the care requirements for refugees. This is aimed at people with refugee status who are housed in a municipal facility. This brings both opportunities, such as guidance and support in finding school and kindergarten places, as well as challenges bochum.de.

Another aspect of refugee policy is the nationwide initiative “Protection of refugees in refugee accommodation”, which has existed since 2016. Minimum standards for the protection of particularly vulnerable people in accommodation are defined here bmfsfj.de. These standards are intended to ensure that vulnerable groups, such as minors and people with mental illnesses, are better protected in such facilities. It remains to be seen whether and how these standards can also be implemented locally in Bochum.

In the coming weeks it will be crucial how the city of Bochum deals with the critical situation. The parents' wishes are clear: more security and respectful treatment of all residents in the area. Good cooperation can only be achieved through open dialogue and effective measures.