ROME (AP) — Venice is boosting security for its upcoming Carnival festival after the crime spree against hundreds of women that hit Germany during New Year's Eve revelry.

The pre-Lenten festival known locally as Carnevale, which begins Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 9, sees tourists in masks and costumes throng Venice's car-free streets. The new security plan includes deploying extra police, including plainclothes officers, and establishing a command post near St. Mark's Square, the heart of the canal-laced city.

In apparent reference to the extremist attacks that bloodied Paris, Venice's prefect's office said Wednesday the "overall international scenario" has "sparked worry."

Venice authorities also said evacuation procedures were devised for Carnevale revelers in case of emergencies.