Over the last two decades, the number of theft incidents in Sweden has dramatically dropped from 600,000 cases per year to around 300,000. This decline is attributed to two main factors: the reduced availability of easily stealable items within households and the innovative approaches being employed by the Swedish police to combat theft. Notably, law enforcement has started denying entry into the country for individuals suspected of being part of international theft rings, which has successfully prevented hundreds of individuals from entering Sweden.

Mats Berggren, the Deputy Chief of the National Operations Department of the Swedish Police Authority (Noa), describes the approach as unique, highlighting its effectiveness in contributing to the significant reduction of crime in Sweden. He also points out that while crime rates have plummeted in Sweden, neighboring countries have not seen similar declines, suggesting that the measures being implemented are distinctive and have specific localized impacts.

As the police continue to refine their strategies, a shift toward focusing on crime prevention is evident. The drop in thefts is paired with a rising concern that fraud will take the place of theft as the predominant crime, indicating a potential change in the landscape of criminal activity within the country. This evolution demands a responsive approach from law enforcement to stay ahead of emerging trends in criminal behavior.