According to the police, they see a clear pattern. Young people take a taxi to a gas station where they fill up in PET bottles and jerry cans. Then they take the taxi to a residence where they set fire to the gasoline.
"It's not a new behavior, but in recent weeks we've had a number of deviations and violations with that particular approach," says Erik Åkerlund, commander of the special incident Frigg in Stockholm.
Asking the public and industries concerned for tips
The police have therefore asked taxi companies and petrol stations to be aware of the phenomenon and alert if they see anything suspicious.
"We have also sent out information to the industries that are affected, both petrol companies and the taxi industry, to make them aware of behaviour that seems strange," says Erik Åkerlund.
Suspects have been arrested following tip-offs and police also say they have been able to prevent several violent crimes thanks to it.