"We hope that the presence of the guards will have a positive impact on security and the square," says Ann-Charlotte Wedelsbäck, urban development strategist at Helsingborg Municipality.

In the city's security dialogues with the residents and in the police's safety measurements, the perceived insecurity is considerably greater in Söder than in other parts of central Helsingborg.

The introduction of security guards is part of a long-term effort to improve the district and not the result of any recent events. The area in question is Gustav Adolf's square and the adjacent streets.

- The work of the security guards is primarily preventive, while the police are responsible for the reactive work on Söder, explains Ann-Charlotte Wedelsbäck.

Police: "No failure"

The police welcome Helsingborg's investment in security guards.

"It gives the police much better opportunities to prevent but also to clear up any crimes," says Johan Mangbo, coordinator of the Helsingborg police.

He does not see it as a failure on the part of the police that the municipality introduces security guards to increase security.

- No. Given the conditions we have in the police, we have shown very good results in our work to reduce crime and increase security in the South, says Mangbo.

The municipality is responsible for the cost

The security guards will start their work at Söder sometime this fall. The cost will be borne by the municipality of Helsingborg.

In order for police guards to be able to patrol an area, the police must appoint the site to a so-called section 3 area and give their permission. Such is now available for the district.

The permit is valid until the summer of 2023.