Four rape cases in four days - increased police presence

During the night towards Wednesday, a woman was subjected to a rape attempt in central Uppsala. It is one of several cases that occurred within a short time. The police are working intensively to investigate the cases, and one of these is now being led by a prosecutor.

- We hold hearings and make sure we get information from the nearby areas around the crime scene. We knock the door and give information that we are looking for people to get sightings, ”says Mikael Hedström, press spokeswoman at the Mittel police region.

He announces that they are looking for people who may have seen or heard something and calls for feedback. They are currently doing a thorough job and even if the persons have not made any observations, they should contact the police.

- We need to seek out the people who haven't heard from us. They may not think it can be anything, but it can be an important puzzle piece for us, says Mikael Hedström.

He has no exact figure on how many people it is that have received information from the police to inquire, but it should at least concern three of the four sites. Possibly also the case in Stadsträdgården, which is now led by the prosecutor.

So far, they have not received any tips that can lead to a reasonable suspect.

- We know a case where the plaintiff has said that there are some people in a restaurant nearby. None of them have heard from us, and it would be interesting if they did, no matter what they noticed, then we can remove them from the list.

- We are still working on the theory that there are four separate events, but that can change. There is no connection between the perpetrators, Mikael Hedström.

Today, the plaintiff, who was subjected to a rape in the Stadsträdgården, will be questioned. The woman who was subjected to a rape attempt last night should also be heard.

- You have not been on duty during the night but at an appropriate time, interrogations should be held. We let them have some breathing room. It is a traumatic experience and then you have to think through in peace and quiet, and the tasks can change with time because you get so shocked. We hold hearings the day after or a few days after. The most important thing is that the woman gets support and help to rehabilitate herself from the incident.

Earlier this week, the police took security-building measures and increased their police presence in the city. They have also received increased resources for Uppsala.

- Women should not have to worry about staying outdoors, however, one should not walk alone and one should walk on illuminated streets and avoid dark alleys and parks. It is great if you go home together or get pushed. If you go collectively, you should go with the approved companies. But it does not only apply now, but it always applies and both men and women.

Should this be necessary?

- We can't see anything else in society. The perpetrators who commit this type of crime seek solitary persons. It is desirable that it should not be so. Both men and women should be able to walk without fear of crime. This is a problem that has been around for many decades and unfortunately there are those who give in and harm other people. We are different and I think it is tragic to have that attitude. Unfortunately, we must live with it and you must prevent yourself and be aware of your own actions.