Significant Decline in Bicycle Thefts in Sweden, 2025
Sweden sees a significant drop in bicycle thefts due to improved parking and police efforts.
Key Points
- • Bicycle thefts have decreased to 40,000 in 2025, down from 67,000 in 2020.
- • Improvements in secure parking facilities have contributed to the decline.
- • Police are intensifying efforts against international theft rings.
- • Less than 1% of bicycle theft cases were solved in 2021.
In a notable trend, reported bicycle thefts in Sweden have dramatically decreased in 2025, reaching approximately 40,000 incidents over the past year—27,000 fewer than reported in 2020, according to recent figures from the Crime Prevention Council (Brå). This reduction is attributed largely to enhanced bicycle parking facilities and intensified police efforts against theft rings.
Community police officer Mattias Klingström noted that municipalities have made significant improvements to secure bicycle parking, such as the installation of public garages with locks. Additionally, modifications to bike racks now allow bicycles to be locked securely by the frame, reducing opportunities for thieves who typically target the wheels. Although there has been a rise in e-scooter usage, Klingström believes this has not contributed significantly to the decline in bicycle thefts, emphasizing the operational challenges associated with e-scooters.
Despite the positive trend, domestic thefts still occur, particularly in areas like Katrineholm, where individual incidents have been reported. The resolution rate of bicycle thefts is concerningly low, with less than 1% of cases solved in 2021. Klingström underscores the necessity for individuals to report bicycle thefts promptly and to provide their bicycle's frame number, which is crucial for recovery efforts.
Overall, the combination of better safety measures and proactive policing may continue to support the downward trend in bicycle thefts across Sweden.