The wave of explosions that swept across the country in January is unprecedented in its scope. This is announced by the police at a hastily called press conference on Wednesday.
At the same time, a dramatic increase in the number of young perpetrators taking on assignments is noted. Not least among children under 15 years old.
According to the police, a large-scale recruitment of young people is underway on social media and in various chat forums. At Wednesday's press conference, Noa's deputy chief Hampus Nygårds therefore directly addressed parents and adults with a call to be vigilant.
Focus on what type of activity is taking place on the digital arena. What's happening? Has the young person - the child - more money, more cash, more technology? To be able to avoid them being drawn into this crap that we're seeing, says Nygårds.
On its website, the police list a number of warning signs, including if the child appears to be hiding things, has new clothes or a new phone. Stopping asking for money can also be a warning sign.
Tobias Bergkvist, regional police chief in Stockholm, claims that the police cannot alone stop the recruitment of young perpetrators.
The whole society must mobilize. Different actors, authorities, social services, private actors, associations, non-profit organizations, have different prerequisites and it's important to know that, says Bergkvist.
Keep an eye on whether the child:
Lies or appears to be hiding things
Starts socializing with new, older young people or adults
Has new clothes or a new phone
Stops asking for money or appears to have more money of their own
Sends or receives large amounts of money (via Swish or account)
Starts having two mobile phones
Follows or communicates with criminals on social media
Downloads encrypted chat apps
Expresses themselves differently, has new opinions or values
Source: The Police.
