The Danish Intelligence and Security Service (PET) is introducing a 24-7 security operation around the Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard which is expected to cost some 30 annual full-time equivalents.

According to Politikens information a full-time equivalent for a PET agent costs somewhere in the region of DKK 700,000, resulting in annual costs of some DKK 19.5 million (EUR2.6m, USD 3.8m) in wages, not including technical equipment.

Following last Friday’s attack on Westergaard, Justice Minister Brian Mikkelsen has determined that full-time bodyguards should be posted to Westergaard as well as 24-7 surveillance of his house.

Westergaard’s home already has extensive security equipment including special locks, CCTV monitoring, alarms and the fortified bathroom to which Westergaard sought refuge in order to raise the alarm to police as a 28-year-old Somali forced entry into the semi-detached house.

“In PET’s view the security precautions that have regularly been adjusted, worked according to plan and delayed entry to the house so that police could reach the house in time and arrest the attacker,” PET writes.

But the Service adds that after Friday’s attack Westergaard is more vulnerable.

“In the light of the attempt, and public exposure in Denmark and abroad of some of the security precautions in relation to Kurt Westergaard, PET is to adjust these precautions,” PET writes.