Birmingham: Police on patrol as German Christmas market opens

West Midlands Police has urged visitors enjoying the festivities to remain vigilant and the force has confirmed it will be upping a visible presence in the city throughout the festive period.

Chief Inspector Sinead Sweeney, from West Midlands Police, said: "As always, we are excited to welcome the Frankfurt Christmas Market back to Birmingham, and the many, many visitors it attracts each year.

“We will have extra officers in and around the market and the wider city centre keeping visitors and traders safe and they'll also be on hand to help anybody who has any concerns.

"We know the lead up to Christmas can be busy, and we want you to enjoy the festivities safely. Public vigilance is vital when it comes to keeping everyone safe.

"Whilst festive attractions bring joy to millions, sadly we also know that a tiny minority of people may be out to commit crime - particularly pickpocket style offences.

Police at the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham (Image: West Midlands Police)

"With such a vast amount of people visiting seasonal attractions, we'd encourage everyone to stay alert and to tuck away personal belongings, especially mobile phones and wallets.

“We want everyone who comes to visit the German Christmas Market, and all the festive events Birmingham and the West Midlands has to offer, to have a good time, so we'd encourage people to stay safe and enjoy the festivities.

"Throughout the year we carry out Project Servator patrols which uses uniformed officers, dog handlers, firearms officers and also our drone team, to provide a high-visibility presence to deter and disrupt criminal activity and this will be no different over the festive period.”

Specialist Project Servator officers are specially-trained to spot the signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance or about to commit a crime.

Police also work with stallholders and private security staff involved with the Frankfurt Christmas Market to deliver national Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) training so they can actively recognise signs of suspicious behaviour and act as additional eyes and ears for the force.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “Alongside the robust policing operation we have in place to keep visitors and staff safe, it’s vital that everyone remains alert to suspicious activity.

“We’re asking the public to trust their instincts, and if you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell security or police straight away.

“We take every report seriously and you’ll never be wasting our time, so don’t wait for someone else to do it. Always call 999 in an emergency.”