NEW YORK CITY (WABC) – The NYPD is taking action out of an abundance of caution after a car plowed into people visiting a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday, killing several and injuring about 60 others, according to U.S. law enforcement officials.

“This incident, reported from our international liaison post in Germany, occurred following two recent riots in the same region and a travel advisory from the United Kingdom due to security breaches at the Christmas market,” said NYPD Assistant Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner. “Unfortunately, this pattern of targeted attacks on holiday markets in Europe has been going on for years.”

Although there is no evidence linking the German attack to New York, the NYPD is not taking any chances.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are expanding our resources to similar areas throughout the city,” Weiner said.

She assured New Yorkers that officers will be deployed at all holiday markets and events.

“This is a very festive and busy time in the city. New Yorkers will see an increased officer presence, including our Counterterrorism Team, Critical Response Command and patrol officers,” she said.

Weiner emphasized that the additional measures are aimed at creating security.

“We want to reassure New Yorkers that we are protecting our infrastructure and holiday activities,” she said.

The NYPD also remains vigilant in its investigation.

“When something like this happens, initial reports focus on the event, but what follows is a search for details – who was involved, what the motivation was and whether there is video evidence. All of this helps us better protect New York City,” Weiner said.

The possibility of vehicle ramming attacks is an ongoing concern for American law enforcement, particularly in the lead-up to large gatherings on New Year’s Eve.

For events such as the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and other high-profile mass events, the NYPD deploys garbage trucks and other “blocking” vehicles at intersections.

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