Pant, gaming consoles and various electronics. Burglars have been breaking into Parentesen, climbing balconies and using crowbars to access residents’ belongings.
Recently there have been a number of break-ins at Parentesen, with burglars climbing onto balconies and breaking doors with crowbars. The police have had two reports stating that various items have been stolen from corridors, including pant, speakers, television sets and a playstation. With several more reports of thefts in Parentesen Facebook groups.
Hampus Törnqvist, a student living at Parentesen, witnessed one of the break-ins firsthand.
– I was in my room and it was close to 3:00. I looked out the window and saw two men climbing onto another balcony with a ladder. So I took a few pictures of these men for proof and ran out to tell them to leave, he says.
Hampus reported the incident to AF Bostäder (AFB) and shared his concerns with the local caretaker, hoping that action would follow. AFB responded by issuing emails to residents outlining basic safety tips and detailing some security measures being implemented.
– But I have not noticed any changes around Parentesen, Hampus says, adding that although his own feelings of security remain steady, he knows other students who feel less safe in light of the recent events.
In response, some students take matters into their own hands.
– My brother and I will create a neighbourhood watch group to patrol Parentesen at night, Hampus says.
AFB’s CEO, Henrik Krantz, also voices concern about the recent burglaries.
– It is terrible, he says.
AFB collaborates with students, employees, and police to address the situation.
– We have caretakers which are walking around the ground and have reported seeing suspicious activity.
Despite these efforts, Henrik Krantz emphasises that broader security measures ultimately fall under the jurisdiction of the local police.
– However, we have issued warnings to not leave items outside and to lock doors, he says and continues:
– The most important advice is that students should not let others in and they have the right to ask what the other person’s business is in the building.
He explains that this is because break-ins have occurred where people in high-visibility vests entered the building, appearing to have authorised access. Fredrik Wahlöö, incident commander at the police in southern Skåne, reiterates the importance of questioning who comes in the building.
– If you see anyone who does not belong, call 112, he says.
