Organized crime spreads to small Swedish towns
Published: 23 Sep 12 13:55 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/43398/20120923/
While efforts to clamp down on criminal networks in Sweden's larger cities have been successful, gangs are re-forming in smaller towns.
- Two shot in third night of Eskilstuna violence (2 Aug 12)
- Four arrested for Malmö gang slaying (10 Feb 12)
- Three injured in 'gang-related' shootout (29 Jun 11)
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It found that although several organized criminal networks have been broken up and gang ties have weakened, new networks have at the same time formed across Sweden.
One example is the town of Eskilstuna in the south-east, which experienced spiralling violence over the summer with four instances of shootings in public spaces.
The latest case happened on August 17th when a 23-year-old was hit in a drive-by-shooting. The gunman was riding a scooter.
According to local police the shooting was related tp a conflict between two groups and several of those involved were previously members of a gang called Black Cobra.
The summer's violence in Eskilstuna is typical of the new organized crime in Sweden, says Lars Öjelind, a gang expert at the National Bureau of Investigation (Rikskriminalpolisen).
"Loyalty does not have the same meaning as in the past," Öjelind told Aftonbladet.
"People quit and start new groups. There are many local networks and gangs these days."
Öjelind said there could be several reasons why gangs are moving to mid-sized towns. For instance, premises are cheaper and a weaker police presence coupled with inhabitants who are unused to gangs means that there are fewer controls.
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Walking the streets of Eskilstuna lately I can guarantee you the shooting from a scooter was not a Kalle or Göran..:o/
Thats cute. You really think it matters what the police does? The very foundation of our society is gone. In our future there is only conflict and violence. No matter what the police does or does not do.
Actuallly, I am more concerned about fear mongers such as many who contribute to The Local than most immigrants. I am also no stranger to minority issues as I have spent most of my adult life living and working in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. No, for anyone not afraid of their own shaddow, it is ORGANIZED crime that is the concern, and in Sweden, most of that is carried on by native Swedes including those who target immigrant communities.
@jostein Sweden has huge numbers of immigrants who have in the past and continue to give much to the country. Ignorant louts like you don't help things and, in fact, one would suspect they contribute to the problem with their xenophobic (you will have to look that one up I'm sure) views. One doesn't have to look far to find your attitude among both bureaucrats and potential employers. One would also suspect that you are part of the group that spends less time working and more of their time at fika complaining about "foreigners". That being said, a weak and incompetent police force and sophisticated criminal organizations (both foreign and domestic) make for a very dangerous environment. The police force suffers from the same Swedish mentality as you and your ilk, so blame yourself for the problem.
@ Borilla- Could you please give some examples of the "contributions" that you were referring to? Thanks.
You call it xenophobia...I call it being informed and making a critical decision, a decision that tends to ruffle the feathers of your oh so liberal self.
As for the police, you call them weak? How so, explain yourself? They suffer from a Swedish mentality?...well yes...they are Swedish after all aren't they?
The thing that strikes me as most stupid about what you have written is the very last thing "So blame yourself for the problem", what rubbish, the blame doesn't lie with people who are happy living in Swedish society, the blame lies with the people who abuse the privilege and honour of being allowed to live in such a country as Sweden.
You are a complete moron, hang yourself!