During the first half of 2024, 2.5 percent fewer burglaries were reported in Sweden, compared to the same period last year. This is shown by figures from the Crime Prevention Council (Brå), which the insurance company Dina Försäkringar has compiled.
A total of 4,758 residential burglaries were reported in the country during the first half of the year, which is 123 fewer than during the same period last year.
Criminal networks can affect
In Stockholm, burglaries have decreased significantly. But why burglaries have decreased now is difficult to answer, according to Anders Bryngelsson, press spokesperson for the Stockholm Police.
Neighborhood collaboration is becoming increasingly widespread and has been seen to make a difference and reduce burglaries in general. Then it's harder to break into apartments today because we use door codes much more, and security doors are also becoming more common.
International criminal networks are behind the majority of burglaries, according to Bryngelsson.
If some perpetrators are caught in these networks, it usually shows up pretty quickly in the statistics, he says.
Increased in certain regions
Despite the fact that burglaries are decreasing nationwide, there are significant regional differences.
On Gotland, six burglaries were reported on the island during the first half of 2023, which can be compared to this year's figure of 19 reported burglaries. A similar increase is also seen in Kronoberg.
There is therefore no reason to relax, according to Mia Winberg, insurance expert at Dina Försäkringar.
It's still just as important to have approved locks on doors and windows. When you travel, maybe you have a lamp on, leave your car on the driveway, the kids' toys can be left in the garden, and you ask a neighbor to pick up the mail, says Winberg.
1. Make sure all doors and windows have approved locks and get an alarm.
2. Make sure to reinforce so that it becomes difficult for a burglar to enter through windows and balcony and patio doors.
3. Let the thief think someone is home even though you're away, leave a lamp on or leave a car on the driveway.
4. Wait to post vacation pictures on social media until you get home again.
Source: Dina Försäkringar.