Title: Increased Threats to High-Risk Addresses: Police Face Challenges in Preventing Attacks
Subtitle: Evictions, explosions, and misfires highlight the pressing need for effective security measures
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In recent times, there has been a rise in targeted attacks on high-risk addresses, leaving the police struggling to ensure the safety of individuals residing in these premises. These specific homes, known as risk or high-risk addresses, are identified by the police as having an imminent risk of attacks. Despite efforts to provide permanent security or implement alternative surveillance methods, such as rounding, these measures are proving to be far from foolproof.
Jale Poljarevius, a police spokesperson, shed light on the challenges associated with securing risk addresses. He explained that the police employ three main approaches to address these concerns. The most common is permanent security, where police officers are stationed right outside the premises. The second approach, known as rounding, involves police cars patrolling in a loop between several addresses. Lastly, for homes with an exceptionally high threat profile, evictions are carried out, rendering the address uninhabitable.
However, Poljarevius acknowledged that neither method can guarantee complete safety. “Even with fixed surveillance, there are instances where our available resources are too weak, and we must respond to emergency calls where immediate danger to life is present,” he stated. In such cases, the address being monitored may be momentarily empty, leaving it vulnerable to attacks.
Regrettably, even when individuals vacate the premises, there have been instances where attacks still occur. Poljarevius emphasized that police resources cannot be allocated solely to guarding empty homes. He further explained, “We may believe the situation is under control, but the opposing side might be unaware. We do not disclose our surveillance details to them.”
The increase in violence targeting high-risk addresses has brought its consequences to the forefront. Multiple incidents have occurred where police security measures failed to prevent attacks. One such incident was a fire and subsequent explosion in Hässelby, western Stockholm, which completely destroyed one home and heavily damaged five others. Though police presence was reported, they had left before the detonation took place.
Another devastating incident took place in Fullerö Hage, Storvreta, where a 24-year-old individual lost their life in an explosion. The intended target was believed to be a neighboring house associated with a figure known as the “Kurdish fox.” The police had previously conducted surveillance at the address but had to prioritize other matters, leaving it unprotected.
In Linköping, part of an apartment building’s facade was blown away in a powerful explosion, indirectly targeting an individual associated with the “Kurdish fox.” The police had deployed fixed cameras and drones in the area, but the incident occurred nonetheless.
One of the major challenges faced by the police is when attacks occur on homes completely unrelated to the conflict. Mistakenly targeting the wrong address creates additional complications. Poljarevius commented, “It is difficult when you shell or blow up the wrong home.” He stressed the importance of strategic planning and effective allocation of resources to prevent such misfires.
As the frequency of attacks on high-risk addresses rises, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to reassess and enhance their security protocols. The safety of individuals living in these premises, particularly those under direct threat, should be the utmost priority. Developing comprehensive and intelligent surveillance systems that adapt to changing circumstances and leveraging analytical tools to enhance threat assessment can help mitigate risks effectively.
Only through vigilant efforts and constant improvements in security measures can authorities ensure the safety of those residing in high-risk addresses and prevent further violence.
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