Danger prevention: Bundeswehr has increased security precautions for barracks

As a result of reports of possible intruders, the German army has increased security measures for barracks. “We have reacted quickly and comprehensively to the events of the past week across Germany with increased controls, increased patrols, inspections of fences and technical security, closure of some areas as well as with current security notices and awareness-raising measures,” said a spokeswoman for the Territorial Command of the German Press Agency in Berlin. The measures are being adapted to the respective situation.

The “Spiegel” was the first to report on the increased security measures. According to its information, the barracks were instructed to meticulously check the outer fences of all facilities for loopholes. In addition, there should be more patrols, especially at night. The superiors have sensitized their soldiers to watch out for unauthorized persons in the security areas and to report any suspicious cases immediately.

Intruders handed over to police

The spokeswoman for the Territorial Command confirmed information from “Spiegel” that two men climbed over the fence of the naval base in Wilhelmshaven on Wednesday last week. After the men were discovered by a guard, they were handed over to the police. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said in Berlin that they were crew members of a civilian ship who wanted to “take a look at a frigate.”

Ministry of Defense: Lowest security level still applies

The ministry spokeswoman said that the lowest of four security levels, “Alpha”, still applies to Bundeswehr facilities. Last week, the Bundeswehr had dispelled suspicions of sabotage of the drinking water supply at the Cologne-Wahn air force barracks. A colleague of the spokeswoman added that after evaluating the most recent incidents, there would be no general increase in security levels for the Bundeswehr as a whole, “because the threat situation does not need to be adjusted”.