Both the public and traders have reacted strongly to the fact that older people have been cheated of thousands of kronor in the trade on Hötorget.
The two companies accused of fraud have had their permits revoked and are now gone, but their trust has been damaged, says Cecilia Wallenius, head of the city life unit at the traffic office’s permit department in the city of Stockholm. At the same time, she emphasizes that the problem is not widespread and that it has been isolated to Hötorget in particular.
– It was individual traders who disturbed for so many.
There have been complaints and police reports for a long time. Why did it take so long before action was taken?
– I can probably also feel that it has taken time. Since I took office last autumn, we have worked hard and actively on this issue. I am grateful for the good cooperation with the police, but there was no established cooperation from the start. This has meant a certain lead time. Now it will go much faster, says Cecilia Wallenius.
At the same time, she points out that the handling can never be immediate.
– There must be a certain amount of investigation, otherwise it will be illegal against the traders.
The problem with the scams is not just that customers should have been blown away by money. It has also created insecurity.
– Those who feel cheated may want to question this, and then an aggressive atmosphere arises, says Cecilia Wallenius and emphasizes that it is unusual for traders to lose the permit.
– Most are very caring. In recent years, we have worked towards the market trade. We have inspectors out who check that there are cash registers and F-tax slips. You also check that it is neat and tidy.
A somewhat difficult circumstance which is also controlled is the mood.
– We look at how traders interact with the people who move in the squares. We do not cancel permits because someone is unpleasant. But we start a dialogue and point out that the trader can try to be a little less picky.
Cecilia Wallenius states that no complaints regarding Hötorget have been received after the police reports.
– I want to encourage everyone to go to Hötorget and shop. Give traders some praise for actually being serious. It may not have been so easy to work near these rotten eggs.
– Now, together with the remaining traders, we want to build up Hötorget so that it will be as it once was and create a place where you want to be.
How are you going to do that?
– What we can help the traders with is to make the square nicer. We will refurnish a little. The plan is also for an outdoor restaurant on site.
Read more:
Torbjörn, 80, had to pay 2,000 for asparagus on Hötorget: “I was sloppy”
Traders on Hötorget: The fraudsters make me angry and sad
Fraud on Hötorget – carrots were sold for SEK 13,000