The survey is presented in the form of a security index where stores answer questions about break-ins, thefts, or if they have been exposed to threats and violence. In 2024, 24 percent of the stores replied that they had been exposed to at least one of these crimes or threatening behavior. This is also the highest percentage on an annual basis since the measurements began in 2018.
"It is an alarming development, but unfortunately, we cannot say that we are surprised. We receive daily testimony from our members who believe that the situation is acute," says Nina Jelver, security manager at Svensk Handel, in a press release.
Primarily, it concerns thefts or petty thefts, previously referred to as shoplifting. Here, 39 percent have answered yes, compared to 36 percent the previous year.
The most vulnerable are, as before, the food industry, followed by pharmacies and electronics retailers. Regionally, however, there has been a difference, with Skåne, which topped last year's list, now ranking third, with Stockholm and Västmanland at the top when it comes to exposed stores.
