Police say they have increased security measures in New York City in the aftermath of Monday’s explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

“We’re stepping up security at hotels and other prominent locations in the city through deployment of the NYPD’s critical response vehicles until more about the explosions in Boston is learned,” NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said.

The critical response teams are highly visible patrol units that travel with lights and sirens.

More than 1,000 counterterrorism officers were mobilized, along with the thousands of other officers on patrol. Highly trafficked areas like Times Square, Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan, the United Nations and the World Trade Center site were being especially monitored, police said.

Authorities are watching live feeds from the NYPD’s high-tech camera network in congested areas.

Federal officials say there is no known threat to the New York City area at this time. Still, the MTA says it is also beefing up patrols, as well as bag inspections. Riders should expect a dramatically heightened state of alert at LIRR and Metro-North hubs, as well as at subway stations. Police say if you have a bag, expect it to be searched, so allow extra time for travel on mass transit.

Mayor Bloomberg implored all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and call authorities if they see anything suspicious.

(Source: WABC)