Just in: Copenhagen police announce the closure of three areas and the expansion of search zones due to gang conflict.
Copenhagen police have just released a press statement as part of their intensified efforts to combat gang violence. The statement, which uses the term “visitationszoner” (visitation zones) to describe designated areas where police have the authority to stop and search individuals and vehicles without explanation, essentially acts as checkpoints for those they deem necessary, is accompanied by two maps of the targeted areas.
In order to create security and reduce ongoing gang conflict, Copenhagen police are closing three locations frequented by rock groups/gangs. At the same time, the two checkpoints established on August 28 will be expanded.
Police assessments still indicate a conflict is unfolding between two groups within the rock and gang scene. The explosion that occurred in Svanevej in Copenhagen's Nordvest district on Saturday morning is being investigated as a deliberate act and part of this conflict.
To prevent similar incidents and to ensure the safety of residents in those areas, Copenhagen police have decided to close three locations frequented by rock groups/gangs. This is being done in accordance with the law prohibiting residence in certain areas, also known as the Rock Law.
“The extremely violent events we have witnessed are completely unacceptable. Police Chief Ann Tonnis says: “Citizens must be able to feel safe in their neighborhood and the rest of the police precinct, and we are now using one of the most powerful tools to put maximum pressure on groups and prevent further violent attacks.”.
In the inspection area, the police have expanded options for searching people and checking vehicles for potential weapons, and these are the following addresses:
- Svanevej 5, 2400 Kbh. NV
- Tømmerup Stationsvej 8B, 2770 Kastrup
- Siljangade 10, 2300 Kbh. S
The closures mean that from 7:00 PM on September 11, 2023 until 7:00 PM on September 25, 2023, staying in the three areas is prohibited (i.e., passing through them is allowed but not staying).
Expansion of inspection areas
Copenhagen police have also decided to expand the two inspection zones that were set up on August 28, 2023. One zone covers Christiania and the Amager area, while the other covers the Nørrebro and Nordvest areas.
Work will continue in the current inspection areas until Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
Copenhagen police will also continue working to promote security.
“We have an intensive effort underway, working with municipalities, street planners and other stakeholders. Furthermore, we are prioritizing a presence on the street so that people feel safe and can engage in dialogue with us. In addition, the investigation into gang-related incidents that have occurred in recent weeks is ongoing,” said Police Inspector Thomas Marco Juul.
The inspection area for Cristiania and part of Amager covers the following areas:
Prinsessegade – Refshalevej – Forlandet – Kløvermarksvej – Raffinaderivej – Prags Boulevard – Strandlodsvej – Lergravsvej – Østrigsgade – Øresundvej – Amagerbrogade – Christmas Møllers Plads – Torvegade – Prinsessegade
The following area of Nørrebro and Nordvest:
Mågevej – Glasvej – Frederiksborgvej – Bisiddervej – Lygten – Tagensvej – Rovsingsgade – Vermundsgade – Lersø Parkallé – Jagtvej – Tagensvej – Blegdamsvej – Fælledvej – Nørrebrogade – Peblinge Dossering – Åboulevard – Ågade – Jagtvej – Borups Allé – Mågevej
