The world strengthens security to welcome the new year 2018

Fearing terrorism and shootings during the 2018 New Year, many countries around the world have tightened security measures in sensitive areas and crowded places.

To welcome the new year 2018, many countries around the world are preparing for exciting activities. To ensure the safety of people during this occasion, especially on New Year's Eve, many countries have planned to implement measures to tighten security in sensitive areas and crowded places.

New York City Police, USA, on December 29 pledged to increase security to the strictest level to protect about 2 million people coming to Times Square to attend the upcoming New Year's Eve 2018 event.

New York Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill said that while there was no immediate threat, the city would deploy more police dogs on the streets. He said this was a necessary precaution in the wake of recent attacks.

New York police patrol near Times Square. Photo: Untapped cities.

“This will be one of the most heavily policed ​​and well-protected events in one of the most crowded places in the world,” Mr. O'Neill said. “The police will do their job to ensure New York City has a safe New Year's Eve celebration.”

Police will also work with security at all hotels in the area, in case of a shooting like the one that happened in Las Vegas in October. Concrete blocks and large vehicles will be deployed to block all entrances to Times Square. Trucks will be banned and New Year's Eve attendees will have to pass through two security checkpoints before entering the main area.

According to Reuters, those efforts will be part of a massive security operation for the New Year's celebrations, including the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square, a tradition that dates back to 1907 and is being televised live around the world. In particular, those wishing to participate in New Year's Eve musical activities and other entertainment activities in Times Square will have to pass through a controlled area where explosive-sniffing dogs can detect explosives and will have their bags checked twice to ensure absolute security for the 2018 New Year's Eve celebrations.

Meanwhile, in Germany, several cities have announced tighter security measures in preparation for the New Year celebrations. Police forces will increase their presence in almost every major center in Germany. Accordingly, about 1,400 police officers will be deployed to maintain security. According to Cologne police, fireworks will be banned in security areas and police will intervene to prevent large groups from gathering.

In Hamburg, around 530 police officers are expected to be deployed at key locations in the city centre. New measures include video surveillance and mobile guard patrols in some crowded areas and entertainment venues. Germany's biggest New Year's Eve 2018 celebration will take place in Berlin. By law, police in the city are not allowed to provide the press with information about security measures ahead of major events. However, media reports suggest that the biggest New Year's Eve celebration at the Brandenburg Gate is likely to be the most heavily guarded.

To welcome the new year 2018, Germany also increased security across all its territories, especially in the capital Berlin. Photo: German security forces at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany. Photo: THX

In addition, police announced that more fences would be put in place at key entrances. Following the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack, German authorities will conduct comprehensive vehicle checks and thoroughly check civilian visitors entering the fenced-in festival area.

Meanwhile, in France, Paris police chief Michel Delpuech said at a press conference on December 29 that the French capital will increase security during New Year's celebrations on the famous Champs Elysees Avenue because the threat of attack remains high.

“The measures we will take will rely on the massive mobilization of vehicles and security forces. Accordingly, more than 10,500 security personnel will be deployed both inside and around Paris to ensure the safety of people. Residents in the suburbs of Paris and tourists who will gather in large numbers in the capital for the New Year holiday.”

Traffic will also be restricted around the famous Champs Elysees avenue and police will carry out security checks on people entering the area, police said.

According to VOV