Pickpockets In Stockholm... Or How To Feel Safe In Sweden

Are there many pickpockets in Stockholm? Is there a lot of mugging?

Tourists care for safety. And they have a good reason to. When you are walking around with a camera and sunglasses, speaking a foreign language, everyone knows you’re not a native.

Criminals like tourists. They have cash and credit cards in their pocket, are not familiar with the local situation and have more difficulty attracting attention because of a language barrier.

So ... How’s safety in Sweden? Are there pickpockets in Stockholm?

Well, of course there are, like in every big city. But ... not many. Although there’s more crime nowadays than 30 years ago, Sweden has still one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and Stockholm is one of the world’s safest capitals.

The same with mugging in Stockholm. It happens, yes, but chances are very small you’re the victim.

If it does happen, you’re in trouble, because it’s hard to find a cop in Sweden. If it doesn’t happen, consider this as a positive sign. Usually if there are not many cops in a city, there are not many crooks either.

Policemen speak English. If something happens, ask for a police report. Your insurance company might need it.

Are there neighborhoods to avoid? Not really. Downtown Stockholm is generally safe.

A few safety tips:

So ... Pickpockets in Stockholm? Mugging?

I have been to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels... but I never felt safer than in Stockholm.

Had an unfortunate encounter with pickpockets in Stockholm? Find out what to do in emergency.