Austrian police on high alert following Paris attacks

Austrian executive forces are on high alert and police presence has increased in public places following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Osterreichischer Rundfunk, the Austrian national public service broadcaster, reported on Thursday.

In Vienna, the capital of Austria, the Security Force Unit will be patrolling with the goal of "showing our presence in the public space" in order to increase people's feeling of safety, said Commander Guenther Bolland.

The patrol particularly involves police presence at train stations, shopping centers, and any other areas with large crowds of people, as well as at potential target places of attacks.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior said the measures have been taken due to the necessity of caution, but there is "no reason for panic."

A security measures package to combat terrorism was announced Monday and was expected to boost terrorist attacks response capabilities, with more heavily-armored vehicles, ballistic vests, and bulletproof helicopters. Investment in observation and video surveillance technology was also deemed necessary, along with improving IT security, and establishing more training facilities for special forces personnel.

The concept for these new security measures will be revealed at the end of the week. Johanna Mikl-Leitner, minister of Interior, said that the new measures will cost hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars. Endi