b_179_129_16777215_00_images_DEU131804AA001.jpegBERLIN — The Dec. 19 attack on a Christmas market here has heightened already planned efforts by German authorities to step up security for Cologne's annual New Year’s Eve celebration to avoid a repeat of the mass sexual assaults and thefts that marred last year's festivities.

"We have had a difficult year behind us, and a great challenge lies ahead," Cologne police chief Jürgen Mathies said. "The terror attack in Berlin has made it clear to us all that a real danger exists."

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