Safety Work in Norra Innerstaden Focuses on Preventing Drug Use and Addressing Perceived Unsafe Areas
In Norra Innerstaden, a district in the city of Stockholm, safety work is being prioritized, with a specific focus on young people and preventing their involvement in drug use. Additionally, efforts are being made to address areas that are perceived as unsafe.
The district administration, along with the police and other authorities, is working towards creating a safe environment for everyone who lives and works in the district. This collaboration extends to civil society, businesses, and residents, as everyone’s contribution is essential in ensuring the safety of the community.
According to the most recent security survey conducted in 2020, the majority of people residing in Norra Innerstaden view their district as a safe place. However, there are areas that still need improvement. Kungsträdgården, Odenplan, Central Station, and the Klarakvarteren area have higher levels of insecurity and crime.
To address these concerns, the district administration and the police are conducting effective and coordinated safety work. The work involves other actors operating within the district as well.
A local cooperation agreement has been established between the district administration and the Norrmalm local police area. This agreement aims to prevent crime and increase security within the district. Furthermore, a local situational picture, produced collaboratively by the district administration and the police, provides a comprehensive overview of the district’s crime trends, residents’ and students’ perceived safety, and their concerns. The most recent situation picture was created in December 2022.
Various areas of concern have been identified based on the situational picture. These include young people at risk of crime, schools as places of crime, restricted locations, and vulnerable areas. Special attention is given to young people who are at risk of engaging in criminal activities, with early interventions focusing on social prevention to reduce the likelihood of their involvement in crime. Completing their education with passing grades is emphasized as a significant protective factor for these young individuals.
The district administration supports schools in their preventive work against crime, recognizing the crucial role educational institutions play in preventing young people from becoming involved in criminal activities. Cooperation between schools, social services, and the police is deemed essential in ensuring the success of interventions for young people at risk.
Field assistants are available year-round to support the district’s young population. They collaborate with leisure parks, other city districts, the police, and youth and social services to provide assistance and guidance. The field assistants are present in schools during the day and in the district a few evenings each week.
Safety walks are conducted by the district administration and the police in areas that are deemed unsafe based on local perceptions. Issues such as lighting, vegetation, traffic, and criminal activity are addressed during these walks. Representatives from various organizations, residents, business owners, other administrations, and public transport take part in these walks, and their observations are compiled in reports for further action.
Location collaboration is another aspect of safety work, focusing on improving the physical environment, raising awareness about the various actors operating in the area, and ensuring a more pleasant and secure environment for everyone. The district administration has established local cooperation around several areas, including Karla plan, Klara and Sergels square, Odenplan, Vasaparken, Observatory Garden, Strandvägen, Stureplan, Östermalmstorg, and Sveavägen.
The district administration also pays special attention to particularly exposed and vulnerable crime victims. People with limited resources to cope with the aftermath of crime are considered particularly vulnerable. The disabled, the elderly, and individuals experiencing violence in close relationships are examples of such vulnerable groups. Representatives from disability and pensioners’ councils are invited to safety walks to provide their perspectives, and targeted information from the police is shared to help reduce exposure for these groups.
Efforts to combat reoffending are also being undertaken by the Norrmalm local police area and the district administration. Increasing the competence and awareness of employees to effectively address defection cases and establishing strong cooperation with the city’s defector operations and the police are the primary objectives.
In addition to these measures, the district administration collaborates with the unit for the homeless, the police, and other actors to manage unauthorized overnight stays and address cleanliness issues promptly. This comprehensive approach includes situational, social, and order-keeping efforts, as well as cleaning efforts.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors is a top priority for the city of Stockholm. Approximately SEK 100 million is invested annually to enhance the urban environment and prioritize the concerns and suggestions of the community. Details about the recent safety-creating measures in the northern inner city district can be found on the district administration’s website.
By prioritizing the safety of young people, addressing perceived unsafe areas, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Norra Innerstaden is implementing comprehensive safety measures to create a secure and pleasant environment for its residents and visitors.