The police have presented the latest situation report on the so-called vulnerable areas in Sweden – neighborhoods characterized by high crime, extensive drug trafficking, social vulnerability, and low propensity to report crimes. In most of these areas, residents with a foreign background constitute an overwhelming majority. At the same time as one area is removed from the list, a new one is added. The police also state that a large part of the country’s gang violence is linked to these problem-laden areas.

In the Police Authority’s new situation report, 65 areas in Sweden are assessed to be vulnerable, of which 19 are classified as particularly vulnerable.

In last year’s situation report, the corresponding figures were 59 and 17. However, the increase is partly explained by the fact that seven previous areas have been divided into several smaller parts.

Charlotta Höglund, head of the intelligence unit at Noa, wants to convey a positive image of the development in the vulnerable areas.

“Drug trafficking has moved from the streets, there are fewer attacks on police officers and security guards, and fewer disturbances occur,” says Charlotta Höglund and continues:

“A significant change is that it has become easier for other professional groups such as security guards or field assistants to be active in vulnerable areas. This is important because increased efforts from the rest of society are required to achieve a more positive development in vulnerable areas in the long run.”

However, vulnerable areas are still strongly linked to serious violent crimes. About 60 percent of the shootings between 2022 and 2024 can be related to vulnerable areas, either because the incident occurred there or because a criminal actor linked to the area is involved.

Cross-border violence

The police also note a change in the pattern of crime. Shootings and bombings are becoming increasingly cross-border, with instigators outside of Sweden and perpetrators often being young individuals recruited digitally through encrypted communication services.

“The trend is clear: young individuals, often from smaller towns completely devoid of criminal networks, have become part of the problem surrounding serious violent crimes and organized crime. This is something we see in all municipalities, not just those with vulnerable areas. Therefore, everyone must actively work to counteract the exploitation of young people by criminal networks,” says Charlotta Höglund.

The situation report also includes a mapping of the criminal actors, so-called cylinder actors, included in the problem picture of local police areas. The number of actors has decreased slightly since 2023, but overall, the development is relatively stable over time.