Seven people have died in shootings between January 1 and March 31 this year. During the same period last year, 18 people died. The total number of shootings during the period was 84 this year compared to 94 last year.
The figures on lethal gun violence can vary greatly in a relatively short period of time and it is therefore important not to draw too large conclusions," explains Manne Gerell, associate professor of criminology at Malmö University. However, some patterns can be discerned.
"The conflicts have a slightly different dynamic now. For example, the high-profile conflict in Stockholm has been about targeting relatives or people who are less clearly linked to the gangs. It may have an impact," says Manne Gerell.
The explosions are increasing
According to police statistics, 46 blasts took place in Sweden between January 1 and March 31, an increase compared to the previous year when the figure during the same period landed at 26. The majority of the blasts have taken place in Stockholm and the police region South, which includes Blekinge, Skåne, Kronoberg and Kalmar.
Explosions have been used, among other things, against relatives of people in criminal networks, according to Manne Gerell.
Increased mortality
In general, the mortality rate associated with shootings in Sweden has increased in recent years.
"A few years ago, the proportion of deaths went up because fewer people were injured. Last year, that number went up even more," says Manne Gerell.