Birmingham City Council has announced a significant security upgrade for the city centre ahead of the final busy weekend before Christmas. The measures are designed to protect visitors enjoying the festive period, particularly at the popular German Market.
Enhanced Physical Security Measures
The council, working alongside West Midlands Police and local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), is implementing what it calls 'targeted interventions'. A key feature is the installation of new Hostile Vehicle Mitigation bollards around the Christmas market and other pedestrian zones. These permanent fixtures are intended to prevent unauthorised vehicle access to crowded spaces.
Furthermore, knife detection arches will be deployed at major transport hubs and busy locations across the city centre. These will be supported by police stop-and-search operations and youth engagement initiatives, funded by the Home Office.
A Multi-Layered Safety Strategy
The security push extends beyond physical barriers. The council confirms it is rolling out enhanced CCTV monitoring and upgrading street lighting to deter crime and enable a rapid response to any incidents.
Visible patrols will be increased, with neighbourhood police officers, council enforcement staff, and BID security personnel present at the market, in shopping districts, and at transport hubs. Councillor Jamie Tennant, cabinet member for social justice, community safety and equalities, stated: "Birmingham is a vibrant and welcoming city, especially during the festive season. We know that safety is key to people enjoying our shops, cultural venues, and Christmas markets."
Longer-Term Crime Prevention Projects
These immediate steps are part of broader initiatives. The hyperlocal knife crime project, also funded by the Home Office, includes interventions like graffiti removal, underpass cleaning, better lighting, and 24/7 CCTV. This project also encompasses youth engagement programmes, safe spaces, bleed control kits, and knife bins.
The council's efforts dovetail with the Government's national Winter of Action campaign, which aims to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in urban centres during the colder months. The German Market itself closes on Wednesday, December 24, making the weekend of December 20-21 its last of 2025.
Cllr Tennant added: "That's why we've introduced bold measures... to strengthen visible policing and reassure visitors. With the Winter of Action campaign and our hyperlocal knife crime project, we're raising the bar even higher so everyone can enjoy Birmingham this winter with confidence and peace of mind."
