Police patrols, close cross-border cooperation and large concrete blocks are among the security measures implemented by police at this year’s SchueberfouerPhoto: Martine Huberty Martine Huberty

Police patrols, close cross-border cooperation and large concrete blocks are among the security measures implemented by police at this year’s SchueberfouerPhoto: Martine Huberty Martine Huberty

Following the 17 August Barcelona attack, in which 13 people were killed and 130 injured when a van drove into pedestrians, police spokesman Serge Arendt said that security measures remained unchanged.

“We have the same measures as last year since our Vigilnat programme is the same level,” he told Delano, referring to the government’s national vigilance plan for terror threats.

“People shouldn’t be afraid, it’s business as usual. We don’t have any information that anything is going on,” Arendt added.

Schueberfouer security measures

During the three weeks the fun fair is open at the Glacis, plainclothes and uniformed police will patrol the area.

On certain dates, their numbers will be bolstered by officers from France, Germany and Belgium.

Concrete blocks to prevent vehicles from driving into the pedestrianized fun fair have been installed at strategic points around the Glacis. A Luxembourg City spokesperson said that 80 such blocks had been installed this year, double the amount from last year. For security reasons, access cannot be completely blocked as emergency services and delivery trucks also need to be able to access the site.

The spokesperson added that the aisles at the Schueberfouer had been widened this year and there were more “calm areas” for visitors to relax.

Meanwhile, Arendt explained that the Police Grand Ducale were in close contact with police in neighbouring countries, enabling them to respond quickly in the event a threat is reported.

If visitors do see anything strange or unusual at the fun fair, they are urged to call the police emergency number 113.

The Schueberfouer opened on 23 August with the annual sheep parade. According to police, two major fights were already reported on the first day.