By james art 
West Midlands Police has urged visitors enjoying the festivities to remain vigilant and police have confirmed they will increase their visibility in the city throughout the festive period.
Chief Inspector Sinead Sweeney, from West Midlands Police, said: “As always, we are thrilled to welcome the Frankfurt Christmas Market back to Birmingham and the many, many visitors it attracts each year.
“We will have extra staff in and around the market and in the wider town center to keep visitors and traders safe, and they will also be on hand to help anyone with any concerns.
“We know the run-up to Christmas can be busy and we want you to enjoy the festivities safely. Public vigilance is vital when it comes to everyone’s safety.
“While holiday attractions bring joy to millions, we also unfortunately know that a small proportion of people may be inclined to commit crimes – particularly pickpocketing-style crimes.”
“With such a large amount of people visiting seasonal attractions, we would encourage everyone to be vigilant and to collect their personal belongings, especially mobile phones and wallets.
“We want everyone who comes to visit the German Christmas Market and all the festive events that Birmingham and the West Midlands have to offer to have a great time, so we encourage people to stay safe and enjoy the festivities.
“Throughout the year we carry out Project Servator patrols which use uniformed officers, handler dogs, firearms officers and also our drone team to provide a high visibility presence to deter and disrupt criminal activity and this will not differs during the holiday period. ”
Project Servator’s specialized officers are specially trained to spot the signs that someone may be conducting hostile intelligence or committing a crime.
Police are also working with stallholders and private security staff involved in the Frankfurt Christmas Market to provide national counter-terrorism training (ACT) so they can proactively recognize signs of suspicious behavior and act as extra eyes and ears for the forces.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “As well as the robust policing operation we have in place to keep visitors and staff safe, it is vital that everyone remains alert for suspicious activity.
“We ask the public to trust their instincts and if you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell security or the police immediately.
“We take every report seriously and you will never waste our time, so don’t wait for someone else to. Always call 999 in an emergency.