Over the past decade, crime-related concerns in Sweden have steadily risen, with 2025 marking another year of heightened unease among the population. According to the Swedish Council for Crime Prevention’s (Brå) latest safety survey, the proportion of Swedes worried about crime has surged to 54%, up from 28% in 2014.
Despite the growing sense of insecurity, Brå’s data reveals that crime rates have remained relatively stable compared to the previous year, suggesting a disconnect between public perception and actual crime statistics.
A Growing Concern but Stable Crime Rates
Brå’s survey highlights a clear trend: while concern about crime has increased significantly over the past decade, the actual incidence of crime remains largely unchanged. In 2025, the number of individuals reporting exposure to crime remains steady, with roughly one in five Swedes claiming to have experienced some form of criminal activity—on par with 2024 figures.
“Although concern about crime in society has spiked, fear of personal victimization has remained relatively stable,” the report notes. Since 2020, the fear of becoming a crime victim has generally decreased, despite heightened concerns about societal crime levels.
This trend suggests a widening gap between perceived insecurity and tangible crime experiences. The report also indicates that the fear of being affected by crime tends to be more pronounced than the fear of actually encountering criminal activity. This paradox could be linked to media amplification and societal factors, as well as broader international crime concerns affecting public sentiment.
Gender Disparities in Crime Concerns
One of the more striking findings from the survey is the gender disparity in feelings of insecurity. While 25% of the population reports feeling unsafe when out late at night in their own neighbourhood, this sentiment is disproportionately felt by women. A notable 32% of women express insecurity about being exposed to crime, compared to only 18% of men. Furthermore, women are significantly more likely than men to avoid going out in the evening altogether due to fear of crime.
The report also indicates that women, especially those aged 20-24, are the most vulnerable group in terms of perceived insecurity, with 41% of women in this age group reporting heightened fear of crime. In contrast, the lowest level of perceived insecurity is among young men aged 16-19, at just 14%.
Fraud and Online Threats on the Rise
Sales fraud has emerged as a significant concern, with 39% of Swedes now fearing this type of crime, a notable increase in recent years. Interestingly, the percentage of people exposed to sales fraud has decreased for the first time since 2016, though Brå cautions that this could be a temporary deviation from the upward trend.
As digital transactions become an integral part of daily life, fraud—particularly online scams—has grown more sophisticated. Brå’s report speculates that the rising awareness and fear of online fraud may be linked to increased media coverage of digital crime and heightened scrutiny of e-commerce practices. The trend also reflects a broader global issue, as Sweden’s adoption of digital technologies has outpaced many countries, making it a prime target for cybercriminals.
Brå acknowledges that while the decline in reported sales fraud may reflect improved detection and prevention mechanisms, it is too early to determine whether this marks a definitive shift or merely a temporary dip in the data.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Solutions
While the survey data reveals a steady crime rate, the increasing perception of insecurity poses significant challenges for Swedish society, particularly in terms of public trust and economic stability. For businesses, the rise in crime-related fears can undermine consumer confidence, especially in areas such as retail and real estate.
Swedish policymakers and law enforcement must address this growing gap between public perception and reality, implementing strategies that not only reduce crime but also improve communication to manage public expectations. Public safety campaigns, improved urban planning, and technological innovations in crime prevention could all play key roles in reversing the trend of increasing fear.
Furthermore, the growing concerns over digital fraud indicate a need for stronger cybersecurity measures and more robust consumer protection laws. As Sweden continues to lead in digital innovation, ensuring the safety of its online spaces will be essential in maintaining both public trust and national economic resilience.
In conclusion, while crime rates in Sweden remain stable, the rising fears about crime, especially among women and younger demographics, require urgent attention from both authorities and businesses. By addressing these concerns head-on, Sweden can safeguard its reputation as one of the safest and most innovative nations in the world.
The Nordic Business Journal provides independent economic and business analysis across the Nordic region. For daily updates and in-depth reports, visit nordicbusinessjournal.com.