Christmas markets are opening all over Germany these days. Whether it’s the largest Christmas market in northern Germany in Rostock, the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg or the Striezelmarkt in Dresden: for many people, the last few weeks of the year mean relaxing with mulled wine and Christmas biscuits. For some others, however, Christmas markets also mean a busy time. In addition to the stall holders and service staff, security staff are also regularly on duty to ensure the enjoyment of market visitors. Dr Peter Schwark, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Security Industry (BDSW), pointed this out in Berlin. “The employees in our industry have been as much a part of the Christmas markets as the fairy lights and chestnut stands for years.”
The activities of security services have changed more and more in recent years. In the past, it was mainly the stalls that were protected against theft and vandalism after market hours, but now the employees are also regularly active during opening hours. They check visitors’ bags for dangerous objects and regulate the flow of visitors. They are also available as local contacts.

“Particularly in view of the increasing dangers posed by extremist groups of all colours, our employees ensure that citizens can enjoy their time out at the Christmas markets as relaxed as possible,” continued the BDSW Managing Director. In cooperation with the state security forces, private security services show their presence and ensure an improvement in subjective security through their presence alone.

“We would like to thank all our employees for their hard work over the coming days and wish them and the guests at the Christmas markets a relaxing, peaceful and safe pre-Christmas period,” concluded Schwark.