A 22-year-old man in Holbæk has become the first person in Denmark to be banned from a specific area due to behavior causing insecurity among residents. Midt- and Vestsjællands Police announced the ban on Thursday, marking the first such case nationwide since an amendment to the Police Act regarding residence bans took effect on July 1.

The ban prohibits the man from being within 500 meters of Havevang, near the Grønneparken settlement, for 30 days. The police district emphasized that this administrative decision followed an opportunity for the 22-year-old to provide his account.

Police reports indicate that the man is known for drug dealing and vandalizing surveillance cameras in the Grønneparken area. He does not reside in the affected zone.

The new residence ban is applicable only in areas demonstrably affected by general insecurity, a condition the police assert is met by Grønneparken. This settlement is designated a “prevention area” by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing due to factors such as over 30 percent of residents being outside the labor market.

Police Inspector Thomas Tarpgaard stated that the 22-year-old was an “obvious candidate” for the ban, which requires that the individual’s behavior contributes to a feeling of insecurity among others.

The police inspector believes the new amendment to the law is a “good tool”, and mentioned that the Minister of Justice was informed about challenges arising when evicted tenants’ family members return to the area, increasing insecurity.

Violating the residence ban will initially result in a DKK 10,000 fine, with subsequent violations potentially leading to imprisonment. Individuals can appeal the ban to the National Police.

The new provision extends beyond troubled residential areas and can be applied to locations such as stations or shopping centers where insecurity is present.