Fireworks Chaos Overwhelms Swedish Police in Linköping, Sörmland, and Jönköping

On the evening of December 29, 2025, Swedish police were inundated with hundreds of reports related to fireworks disturbances across multiple regions including Linköping, Sörmland, and Jönköping. The volume of incidents far exceeded the police capacity to respond effectively, raising concerns about public safety and order.

Mats Pettersson, spokesperson for the police in Linköping, described the situation as widespread and problematic, stating, "It is everywhere and we cannot respond to all; it is problematic." Fireworks and firecracker reports were received from central Linköping and surrounding neighborhoods such as Ljungsbro, Ryd, and Skäggetorp, with disturbances reportedly ongoing for several weeks.

In Åtvidaberg, police apprehended four youths suspected of launching fireworks—an activity illegal under Swedish law, especially for those under 18. Authorities intend to contact their parents as part of the response. Meanwhile, Sörmland experienced multiple incidents, notably in Nyköping’s Brandkärr and Nyfors districts and Eskilstuna’s Skogsängen area, where a firework strike ignited a trash bin.

Jönköping police faced around 100 reports of fireworks-related disturbances, including cases where fireworks noises were mistaken for gunfire, prompting a significant police presence at the Asecs shopping center.

These fireworks-related public disturbances have posed a significant challenge to law enforcement during the holiday period, demonstrating the difficulties of managing illegal fireworks use and its consequences in densely populated areas.