By Stephen Walter, The Telegraph
Christmas markets will be protected by “rings of steel” this year as security is bolstered at events across Britain to prevent Berlin-style copycat terror attacks.
The Telegraph understands the Local Government Association has warned councils to be vigilant and has encouraged them to follow government guidance in protecting areas susceptible to mass casualty atrocities.
This includes installing obstructions such as concrete bollards in pedestrianized areas to prevent heavy vehicles driving into crowds of people – similar to the attack carried out in Germany’s capital last year, where 12 people died and a further 56 were injured.
(At least 9 people were killed when a truck plowed into the crowd at a popular Christmas market in Berlin, Germany last year. Witnesses describe it as a deliberate attack. Courtesy of CBS News and YouTube. Posted on Dec 19, 2016)
Similar barriers were put in place on three of London’s bridges in the aftermath of June’s terror attack at London Bridge and Borough Market, where a van also left the road and drove into pedestrians.
In both instances, attackers were motivated by Islamic extremism and the revelation that councils in the UK are taking action raises fears that further terror attacks might be attempted.
(London Terror Attack: Watch a special report. Courtesy of Sky News and YouTube. Posted on Mar 23, 2017)
Work to bolster barrier security is due to begin in some cities, including in Southampton, Hampshire, where a city council spokesman confirmed concrete bollards are to be installed ahead of the Christmas market opening on November 11.
Meanwhile, organizers of other markets are putting their staff through anti-terror training with police as part of Project Griffin – a counter terrorism initiative where business personnel attend briefings organized by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office.
Police forces have also suggested armed officers could be stationed around the perimeter of markets during festivities, depending on the terror threat level. Security may also carry out random bag searches.
In London, the Metropolitan Police Service – the country’s largest police force – warned the public may notice additional safety measures around Christmas markets, such as Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
A force spokesman said: “The public may see additional protective security measures and barriers at events this year, in response to a number of vehicle-based terrorist attacks we have sadly seen both here in the UK and abroad.
“There could also be increased security checks at some events and venues so we advise the public to arrive in plenty of time to allow for this.”
Other forces around the UK confirmed they were working with local authorities and market organizers to assess the security of the events.
MI5 says the current terror threat level in the UK is severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.
Earlier this month, the Department for Transport issued guidance to local authorities about “mitigating security vulnerabilities” around major public transport hubs, including “hostile vehicle mitigation” to deter attackers using “vehicles as a weapon”.
Such tactics include putting up appropriately spaced concrete bollards to protect pedestrians from vehicles, and now the same is set to be seen around the traditional festive German markets in UK cities after the Local Government Association urged councils to take note.
Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Councils take their responsibilities to protect their residents incredibly seriously, and this includes making sure that transport hubs are safe and that any security risks are mitigated.”
(How the events of the London Bridge attack unfolded, after a van hit pedestrians then drove to Borough – where the suspects ran into crowds and started stabbing people. Courtesy of Sky News and YouTube. Posted on Jun 4, 2017 )
Despite the increase in security, councils are still urging visitors that their markets are safe, and that an armed police presence did not necessarily mean an attack was imminent.
In Manchester, which was at the centre of a terrorist attack in May, city councillor Pat Karney said: “Public safety is absolutely paramount at any event, and it is important for us that we can reassure people visiting our Christmas Markets that they know that we have done everything we can to make their visit is enjoyable and safe.”
Original post http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/15/security-bolstered-christmas-markets-amid-fears-berlin-style/
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