New Security Measures for Berlin Christmas Market Following Attack in 2016

New Security Measures for Berlin Christmas Market Following Attack in 2016

The site of Berlin's devastating 2016 truck attach has now become a testing area for heavy security.

Two years after the deadly attack on a Berlin Christmas market that left 12 people dead officials are stepping up security and adding barricades to ensure the attendees of the country's festivities are safe this year.

Berlin police have installed 160 giant, square, lattice-work frames on the perimeter of Charlottenbury's Breitscheidplatz, the site of the fatal attack. Large sand and stone filled bags have been lowered into each frame, which have all been bolted to the next to form a long row. Narrow access pointes have been protected with extra bollards.

During the market, private guards will patrol the grounds, joined by a heavy presences of uniformed and plainclothes police officers. 

The Berlin State has said the elaborate $2.9 million installation will provide "unprecedented protection" against trucks weighing up to 40 tons.

Authorities believe this will become the blueprint of protection for future public events. The barriers are meant to be reusable and will become the property of the police after the market ends. 

"This year is quite different from the years before," Uwe Timm, CEO of working group AG City, told the dpa news agency on Thursday. "This time it was mainly about the question of how to combine the comfort of a visit with security. Despite increased security measures, the accessibility for visitors is guaranteed, for example via the surrounding multistory car parks, which are all accessible, or public transport."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.