Gang-related shootings on the rise in Denmark

Compared to the past two years, the smell of gunpowder has really hit the air in 2016

What do Aalborg, Copenhagen, Søborg and Næstved have in common? They’ve all had a gang-related shooting in the past couple of days.

In fact, compared to 2014 and 2015, the number of gang-related shootings across Denmark in 2016 has shot up considerably, according to police figures.

“In recent years the number of shootings has remained reasonably stable, but we are up to significantly more this year,” Michael Kjeldgaard, the head of the National Investigation Centre (NEC), told Jyllands-Posten newspaper.

Last year, there were 17 gang-related shootings that led to five fatalities, while there were 16 shootings and no fatalities in 2014.

And while the police don’t want to release the exact figure so far for 2016 – they need to be validated first – the number is quite a bit higher.

READ MORE: Two men hit by gunfire in Copenhagen

Gov dragging feet
According to Trine Bramsen, the Socialdemokratiet spokesperson for judicial issues, the recent spike in shootings calls for swift political action.

“We are going to discuss the issue with the justice minister in November, but it should have happened a long time ago,” Bramsen told Jyllands-Posten.

Tighter legislation on probation and better police surveillance are among the topics up for discussion.

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