The 189th Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival, begins in Munich on Saturday. For the fifth time in a row, Securitas, Germany’s largest security company, will ensure the safety of millions of Oktoberfest visitors. From 21 September to 6 October 2024, around 1,400 security personnel will be guarding the festival grounds on the Theresienwiese.

A comprehensive security concept coordinated between the City of Munich, the police, Securitas and other partners will be in place.

Due to the current security situation, the City of Munich has revised the security concept in close cooperation with Securitas. The threat situation has evolved in recent weeks. We are therefore constantly adapting our measures in order to create a safe environment for all Oktoberfest visitors,’ explains Werner Landstorfer, Managing Director of Securitas Security Services South.

Prohibited items such as knives, clubs or glass bottles are not allowed on the premises. This is nothing new. There has always been a ban on knives at the Oktoberfest,” says Landstorfer. This includes the so-called Hirschfänger – a traditional knife carried in the side pocket of lederhosen.

In addition to the familiar bag and rucksack checks at the entrances to the Oktoberfest, this year for the first time handheld sensors will be used to detect metal objects by means of an acoustic signal. Our officers will be specially trained for the event-related and random use of the hand probes,” says Landstorfer.

The long-standing partnership between the City of Munich and Securitas is reflected in the expertise of the security team, which has five years’ experience in providing security services at the Oktoberfest. We work hand in hand with the Munich authorities, the organisers and other security service providers to provide the highest level of protection for Oktoberfest visitors,” continues Landstorfer. Our close cooperation with the City of Munich and the relevant authorities enables us to react flexibly to short-term requirements at any time.

This year, in addition to directing people around the entire site and carrying out entry and exit checks, Securitas will also be coordinating access routes for suppliers and emergency services. The tried and tested Hill Patrol, which was well received by the authorities and guests last year, will also be used again. They patrol the famous hill throughout the day, not only preventing possible criminal offences, but also keeping a watchful eye on the health and well-being of the Oktoberfest guests. In addition, Securitas has for many years been operating the underground station guard service together with Stadtwerke München, whose security personnel on the trains and at the stations make an important contribution to the security measures around the Oktoberfest.

For Oktoberfest 2024, Securitas is once again relying on a strong team of experienced security personnel from all over Germany. More than 1,400 employees will be on duty, supported by a flexible reserve of personnel. This broad national network, which Securitas Deutschland has as the market leader, ensures that a high level of security can be maintained even at peak times.

The Oktoberfest is not only a symbol of Bavarian tradition, but also a challenge for the security sector, which must continue to develop,’ says Landstorfer. With our combination of years of experience and close coordination with the authorities, we, as Germany’s largest security service provider, are proud to be able to make an important contribution to the security of this unique festival.