Sweden reports steep decline in burglaries and thefts

Swedish police data show a sharp fall in property crimes. Reported residential burglaries and break‑ins in homes and holiday cottages dropped 36 % in the January‑July period compared with the same period in 2022, while boat‑related thefts fell 47 % and vehicle thefts 64 % over the same timeframe. Overall reported crimes have more than halved since 2022, decreasing from 35,420 incidents to 16,152.

Police officials attribute the decline to improved information sharing within the force, more aggressive use of immigration legislation to deny entry to suspected international thieves, and stronger cross‑border cooperation. Linda Staaf Bydén, head of the police unit combating international crime, said the police are now turning their attention to “the hidden crime” of the criminal economy, which includes money‑laundering, fraud, welfare fraud and other profit‑driven offences, describing it as an even larger threat to society.

The force urges continued vigilance, noting that burglary rates rise seasonally in summer, and encourages the public to report suspicious activity that could help disrupt remaining theft rings.