In Istanbul, Turkish authorities deployed some 2,000 police around Taksim Square to prevent pickpockets and the molestation of women that have marred New Year celebrations in the past. Some officers were under cover, disguised as street vendors or "even in Santa Claus dress," Istanbul Gov. Muammer Guler said.

Source: http://www.sfexaminer.com/world/80398987.html

Also see this realted video on the following link ( it is in Turkish but you can understand what is going on)

http://www.beyazpencere.com/Video/Ar-Damari-Catlamis-Tacizci-Magandalar-29315.aspx

I think it was safer in Taksim thanks to Turkish police....