A method is specified for monitoring objects while using an optical waveguide, whose backscattering characteristics are changed due to mechanical deformation as a result of respectively moving in each case one of a large number of objects arranged at distances along the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is supplied with short light pulses which are reflected back as light signals containing deviations corresponding to the backscattering changes. The light signals are converted into electrical signals whose corresponding deviations are evaluated as alarm signals.
