Copenhagen Police have implemented search zones in strategic areas of the city in response to an intensified gang conflict that recently resulted in the death of a 43-year-old man. The new zones encompass parts of Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, and Nordvest, as well as an area on Amager, an island in the city. The police stated in a press release that these measures are necessary to counteract the violence that has recently plagued the capital.
The conflict involves two gang factions; one is known to operate from the Inner Nørrebro area and Holmbladsgade on Amager. The other group appears to have no fixed base in Denmark and is primarily managed from abroad. Details of the conflict are outlined in a report from the National Unit for Special Criminality (NSK), which includes information about the now-banned gang Loyal To Familia (LTF) and an unidentified Swedish-Danish gang, according to the news source Ekstra Bladet.
Authorities consider the shooting incident on Thursday, which claimed the life of the 43-year-old man, to be an escalation in the conflict between the two groups. Chief Police Inspector Søren Tomassen emphasized that the police do not tolerate any form of violence from gangs and will take every possible measure to prevent further violent incidents. “We neither can nor will accept gang violence in Copenhagen, and that is why we are doing everything we can to prevent similar episodes,” Tomassen stated.
The search zones, which come into effect at 5 PM on Friday and will last until 5 PM on August 23, grant the police enhanced powers to conduct random checks of individuals and vehicles without specific suspicion of criminal activity. The purpose of this initiative is to reduce the risk of gang members carrying firearms or other weapons that may be used in the conflict.
This action underscores the authorities’ firm commitment to creating safety in Copenhagen and preventing further acts of violence in vulnerable areas.