Introduction to Christmas Market Security
The last barriers are being erected at the Bonn Christmas market. Concrete blocks now block off the streets leading to the central square, where visitors are already enjoying mulled wine and gingerbread hearts. Market manager Kathrin Krumbach makes her way through the crowd and checks the security measures, for which she is also responsible.
Enhanced Security Measures
As she speaks, she points to a rubber mat covering the electrical cables running across the path. “You may not even notice, but that is also part of the safety concept,” she says, adding that the mat is intended to smooth out the bumps so that no one trips and wheelchair users “can get out quickly and without obstacles in an emergency.” The safety bollards at the Bonn market can prevent a truck from colliding with visitors.
Background and Importance of Security
After several deadly attacks on Christmas markets in recent years, municipalities have been forced to tighten security measures. Germany has more than 3,000 such markets, which attract around 170 million visitors every year and generate an annual turnover of “several hundred million euros”. Christmas markets in Germany have a long tradition and have a lot to offer during the festive season.
Comprehensive Security Concept
Kathrin Krumbach’s security concept for the Bonn Christmas market is "dozens of pages" thick and should provide for "all the scenarios that can happen.” In addition to the concrete blocks designed to prevent trucks from hitting visitors, Krumbach’s less visible measures include training its employees for emergencies, coordinating with the local fire department, and preparing for other dangerous situations such as a fire or power failure. "A lot of the security work takes place out of sight," she said.
Positive Impact on Business
Increased security measures are actually good for business, according to Till, a seller of scented candles and decorations at the Bonn market. "If people feel safe here, more of them will come – and no one has to worry," he said as he turned a handmade ornament on display so that it better caught the light. Swathi, a visitor from India who is experiencing a German Christmas market for the first time, plans to spend around 25 euros at the market, which is roughly the amount that visitors to such markets spend on average per day.
Security Costs and Funding
The police have a clearly visible presence at the Bonn market, patrolling the aisles in uniform and manning a security container together with the city administration. In addition, the Bonn city administration has hired a private security company and installed surveillance cameras to give visitors a feeling of security – a measure that comes with costs. While the total security costs for the Bonn Christmas market have not yet been disclosed, the northern German city of Bremen reported that security spending for its market this year will amount to 3 million euros.
Concerns and Solutions
Albert Ritter, the president of the DSBEV lobby group, says some local authorities are “prefer to charge organizers for security.” But the costs must not be passed on to small market participants, he demanded: “Public safety must remain publicly financed.” Ritter also wanted to allay fears that Christmas markets would be canceled due to rising security costs. Rumors about this recently went viral on the Internet in Germany. Unfortunately, a lot of things on social media are “misused for political purposes,” says Ritter.
