During the second quarter of the year, 637 robberies were reported to young people under 18 according to preliminary figures from BRÅ. It is a bleak record listing that is not offset by the fact that the total number of reported robberies (for all ages) has decreased somewhat in relation to population development.

- It may be a matter of a transfer from robbery to the elderly and to stores where cash was previously available. It has become more difficult and then you join a group that cannot protect themselves as well. They also have what other young people want to access, such as mopeds, telephones and jewelry, says Sven Granath, a criminologist at the Police Department.

In just a few years, the number of reports of robberies against people under 18 in Sweden has increased significantly. From 1084 applications in 2015 to 1896 last year. This is an increase of 75 percent.

Only during the first half of this year did 1247 reports of robberies against young people come to the police.

Police: Important to clear up the crimes

Compared to the group of young people who are at risk of robbery, the group that commits them is quite small, but it is young people who are often entering a criminal career where robbery is an important element and who also commits a lot of other crimes, according to Sven Granath.

He believes that more efforts are needed to curb crime.

- Firstly, it is important to capture these young people as early as possible and then it can be about efforts from school and social services. Then it is important to remove the firearms that can be used in the robbery and to prosecute the youngsters and clear up the crimes.

How does the police prioritize this crime?

- Of course, this is a priority crime. It has elements of both threat and gain and is also called strategic crime because it has an impact on the criminal career, says Sven Granath.

- And so it is a great offense to those who are exposed to the robbery.