Violence and Safety in Sweden: Figures, Causes and Countermeasures

Sweden is considered a safe travel destination, and for the vast majority of visitors it is. At the same time, the country has made international headlines in recent years with shootings and bombings that are almost always linked to criminal networks. The situation has since changed considerably: the number of shootings has fallen to the lowest level since police statistics began. This article puts the developments into context with current figures.

Last updated: October 2026

The police figures

Swedish police have systematically recorded shootings and explosions since 2017. The peak came in 2022, with 391 shootings. Since then, the numbers have fallen sharply:

• 2025: 158 shootings, with 46 people killed and 44 injured.
• First half of 2026: 39 shootings, with 8 killed and 15 injured. This is the lowest figure for a half-year since statistics began, and less than half the figure for the same period a year earlier.

The picture is different for explosions: in 2025 the police recorded 189 explosions, up from 136 in 2024. These are mostly explosive devices placed at building entrances or flat doors, used by criminal groups to intimidate people or collect debts.

Where the violence comes from

The violence comes mainly from criminal networks that make money from drugs, fraud and extortion and compete for markets and influence. A particular problem is that the networks deliberately recruit young people, often under 15, to carry out violent crimes, frequently via social media. Certain residential areas in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and Uppsala are most affected, but smaller towns are too. The attacks are generally aimed at people from these circles or their relatives. However, bystanders have been killed on several occasions, which has strongly shaped the debate in Sweden.

Experts point to several causes, including social exclusion in some neighbourhoods, failed integration, the drugs market and, for a long time, too little police presence. How much weight each factor carries is politically disputed.

What the state is doing about it

In recent years, the government and the Riksdag have tightened numerous laws. These include tougher penalties for gang crime and weapons offences, wider powers for covert surveillance, so-called stop-and-search zones in which police may temporarily search people and vehicles without specific suspicion, and stricter rules for young people used by networks. The police are also recruiting considerably more staff. Another focus is prevention in schools and social services, to stop children being drawn into the networks in the first place. How much each measure has contributed to the fall in shootings is still being debated in Sweden.

Domestic violence

A less visible but serious problem is violence in relationships. Sweden has specific criminal offences for it, women’s shelters and a national helpline for those affected. Anyone who needs help can call the “Kvinnofridslinjen” helpline around the clock on 020-50 50 50, free of charge and anonymously.

What this means for travellers and people in Sweden

For holidaymakers, the risk of becoming a victim of serious violence is very low. Network violence is targeted and rarely takes place at tourist sites. The usual precautions are enough: keep an eye on your valuables, use busy streets at night in the big cities and take pickpocketing at railway stations seriously. If you are moving to Sweden and looking for a home, you can find out about individual neighbourhoods from the municipality and local media.

• Emergency number: 112 for police, ambulance and fire service
• Police, non-emergency: 114 14, for example to report a crime or pass on information
• Current warnings: krisinformation.se

More tips for planning your trip can be found in our frequently asked questions about Sweden.

Sources

• Swedish Police: Minskat antal skjutningar men fler sprängningar under 2025 (January 2026)
• Swedish Police: Skjutningarna på historiskt låga nivåer (July 2026)
• Krisinformation.se – official crisis and warning information