A recent evaluation by Swedish police indicates that the implementation of residence bans has effectively reduced violent crime in areas where these measures have been enforced. According to Kristian Malzhoff from the National Operations Department (Noa), these bans have resulted in a threefold reduction in incidents of violence. The report highlights that normal-level violence, including crimes like robbery and assault, decreased by 13% in areas with residence bans compared to control areas which only experienced a 4% decrease.

In total, the police issued 108 residence bans last year, which increased to 154 in 2024. This uptick corresponds with the observed decline in serious violent crimes, which fell by 18% in areas with restrictive measures, while control areas showed only a 2% decline. The findings suggest that a concentrated effort in implementing these bans is necessary for achieving results, as areas with a higher number of residence bans demonstrated more pronounced improvements in safety compared to others where instances of violence actually increased.

The police's analysis suggests that while residence bans can be an effective tool in combating violent crime, the success of such interventions depends on a critical mass of enforcement. Law enforcement officials now advocate for continued support for these measures, especially in areas plagued by high rates of violence, to maintain the momentum of safety improvements observed in recent evaluations.