Plan for major obstacles, increased police checks and public safety services Bavaria Cities to prevent possible attacks on Christmas markets that will begin soon. The concept of security has been revised, updated and strengthened in recent years, several cities in the Free State said at the request of the German Press Agency.
More than a year ago, a man drove through a Christmas market in a 340 hp rental car Magdeburg driving and killing six people and injuring more than 300, some of them seriously. The trial of the defendant from Saudi Arabia began on Monday. The move sparked discussions about security at major events such as folk festivals or Christmas markets and prompted cities to revise their security concepts.
“We see no real danger, no real indication of planned attacks, or any threat,” Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) said on Tuesday in an interview with Bavaria 2 radio station, with a view to Christmas markets starting in most Bavarian cities at the end of November. “But of course there are always abstract dangers, certain basic risks.”
Knives are prohibited under the Weapons Act
In Munich, people are well prepared for this year’s Christmas markets, which start on November 24th. Comprehensive security concept works closely with POLICEfire department and other city authorities, the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs said.
According to weapons laws, carrying knives and other weapons is prohibited at all Christmas markets. According to information, there are no entry controls at Munich’s Christmas markets, which are spread across most of the pedestrian zone around Marienplatz. However, police said they carry out “selective bag checks in justified cases”. The area is also under video surveillance and there are security services on site. Road access will be secured with guardrails and other barriers.
“Events like the one in Magdeburg are taken into account”
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest, largest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany. Every year the city attracts visitors from all over the world – according to city estimates, around two million people will come by 2024.
“The concept of securing the Nuremberg Christmas market was carried out in close coordination with the police, firefighter and various city departments are updated every year and adapted to new requirements or circumstances,” said a city spokesperson. “Events in Magdeburg 2024 will also be taken into account.” They do not want to reveal further details about the concept.
Concrete blocks secure the festival site
According to a spokesperson, the city of Regensburg has developed a security concept in coordination with the police. Among other things, large concrete blocks will be erected around Neupfarrplatz, where the city’s Christmas market takes place. “There will be security services at the Christmas market itself.” The city’s Public Order Service (KOS) and police also carry out routine patrols.
Access barriers and crossings were also used in some places at the Christmas market in Bamberg’s pedestrian zone, a city spokesperson said. “As in previous years, police patrols and city security services will also be increased at the Christmas market and its surroundings. The deployment of security personnel will be increased again significantly in 2025.”
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