Sweden: Dozens of cars set on fire in various cities August 13

Event

Police officials confirmed that dozens of cars were set ablaze on the night (local time) of Monday, August 13, in various cities around the country. In Gothenburg, the first fires were reported around 21:00. According to Gothenburg police, individuals set around 80 cars on fire in approximately 20 locations around the city, with Gårdsten, Hjällbo, and Frölunda districts were among the most affected. A group of people also set fire to six cars in Trollhättan, located 70 km (43 mi) north of Gothenburg and similar incidents were reported in the cities of Lysekil and Flakenberg.

Context

The motive for the incidents is unclear as of Tuesday, August 14. A police spokesperson told local media that historically there is an increase these types of fires the week before school starts. According to Gothenburg police officials, the some of the arson attacks may have been coordinated on social media, but an investigation is ongoing.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas, and Sweden more generally, are advised to monitor the situation and report any suspicious behavior or activity to the local authorities.