Seven people have died in shootings between January 1 and March 31 this year. During the same time period last year, 18 people died. The total number of shootings during the period was 84 this year compared to 94 last year.
The numbers on fatal gun violence can vary a lot in a relatively short time and it is therefore important not to draw too big conclusions, explains Manne Gerell, docent in criminology at Malmö University. However, certain 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 connected to the gangs. It might have an effect, says Manne Gerell.
There are more explosions
According to police statistics, 46 explosions 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 explosions took place in Stockholm and police region South, which includes Blekinge, Skåne, Kronoberg and Kalmar.
Explosions have, among other things, been used against relatives of people in criminal networks, according to Manne Gerell.
Increased mortality
In general, the death rate in connection with shootings in Sweden has increased in recent years.
– A few years ago, the percentage of deaths went up because fewer people were injured. Last year, that figure rose even more, says Manne Gerell.