Stockholm university
Department of Economics

Police invest in more cameras – research shows impact on crime

The police are investing in more cameras in crime hotspot areas. In Rapport, Mikael Priks, a professor of economics at Stockholm University, explains how increased surveillance has reduced thefts and robberies, both internationally and in the Stockholm metro.

Photo: Rickard Kilström
Mikael Priks is a Professor of Economics at Stockholm University. Photo: Rickard Kilström

The police have received an increased budget to nearly double the number of surveillance cameras in public spaces. The government also proposes that, from 1 May 2025, the police no longer need to apply for permits to install cameras in crime hotspot areas. The goal is to enhance security and reduce crime, with the number of cameras expected to increase to 500 by 2027.

Surveillance camera in Stockholm.
Surveillance cameras can contribute to reduced crime, research shows. Photo: Mostphotos/Gamma-Man

Robberies decreased, but other violent crimes were not affected

In an interview with Rapport, Swedish television’s news programme, Mikael Priks discusses his research on camera surveillance. International studies show that thefts have decreased by 20–25% after more cameras were installed.

Priks has also studied the effect in Stockholm’s metro system. ”Robberies decreased, but other violent crimes were not affected,” he says.

The debate over how more surveillance cameras impact serious crime continues, but the latest data suggests that cameras can be an effective tool for reducing certain types of crime.

More with Mikael Priks

Watch the interview (in Swedish):

Rapport, Saturday 8 Februari 2025

Mikael Priks’ report is part of SNS’s research project on Crime and Society, which ran from 2022 to 2024.

Find an article with Mikael Priks here, where he shares more about the project:

The impact of police interventions and surveillance cameras on crime

Here is an Enlish summary of the report:

What is the effect of police interventions and surveillance cameras on crime?

SNS is an independent nonprofit association that brings together business, administration, academia, and politics. Learn more about the project:

The SNS research project Crime and society

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Economy and Society - Theme page

Last updated: February 12, 2025

Source: Department of Economics

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