The days following the lifting of the security zone in Södertälje have been marked by serious violent crimes. But currently, there are no plans for a new zone, says local police area chief Caroline Aspegren.
The conflict is so complex that it's not just about the geography within the security zone.
Several shootings and an explosion targeting a food store. Just hours after the police lifted the visitation zone in Södertälje on Friday – which gave them the opportunity to search people without suspicion within a limited area – shots were fired at a residence. On Monday evening, two people were injured when a hand grenade was thrown into a convenience store.
But currently, there is no decision to introduce a new security zone, says Caroline Aspegren, who is the local police area chief in Södertälje.
A security zone in itself will not stop the ongoing violent conflict. It's one of several methods we can use to calm down an ongoing conflict.
Conflict for two years
The violent conflict in Södertälje has been ongoing since the fall of 2022. After a fatal shooting in Blombacka in early July, the police decided to introduce a security zone in the western parts of the city.
During the two weeks the visitation zone in Södertälje was in place, the police conducted over 200 body searches and searched 27 vehicles.
We've seized a weapon, received many tips, and had good contact with residents in the area who appreciated the police presence, says Aspegren.
The reactions from the residents were overall positive, she says:
Of course, there are criminals who don't appreciate the police presence and choose not to be in the zone. We see that as something positive since the goal is to prevent serious violent crimes.
16-year-old arrested
An investigation into the explosion at a food store on Monday evening is ongoing. The 16-year-old boy who is being held on suspicion of the crime was not previously known to the police.
Currently, we're mapping this individual and trying to find a motive for the explosion. We're looking to see if there are more suspects or if someone has instigated the crime, says Aspegren.
Connections between the recent violent crimes cannot be ruled out.
When we've had many serious violent crimes in a short time, it's obvious that part of the work is to try to find any connections between the events.
To prevent shootings and explosions in conflicts, the police can introduce security zones, also known as visitation zones.
In the zone, which can be in effect for up to two weeks but can be extended with a new decision, the police have the right to search adults and children, as well as vehicles, without a concrete suspicion of a crime.
All interventions must be documented in protocols.
