The perception of safety in Sweden has shifted dramatically, with a new survey from DN/Ipsos revealing concerning results. The survey indicates that the majority of voters now classify Sweden as unsafe, with one in five even perceiving the country as very unsafe.
This perception is particularly pronounced among women and the electorate of the Tidö parties. The survey also highlights a shift in the location of crime, with violence occurring in housing estates and other areas outside the typical focus of law enforcement.
Interestingly, the perception of safety changes drastically when individuals are asked about their immediate surroundings. Over eight out of ten people classify their residential area as safe, with only one in ten feeling unsafe there.
Nicklas Källebring, opinion analyst at Ipsos, attributes the fear of safety among the population to media reporting and the spread of information on social media. However, Källebring also notes that the level of anxiety about being affected by gun violence has not increased, and in fact, has slightly decreased since the last measurement in June.
The survey also sheds light on public trust in the ability of the police and politicians to address crime. Approximately half of the respondents believe that the police are capable of taking the right measures, while only one in five believe the same about the Riksdag parties. It is evident that the level of insecurity felt by individuals correlates with lower levels of trust in authorities.
Furthermore, the survey reveals how different political parties are perceived in their approach to crime. The Sweden Democrats are seen as placing too much emphasis on tough measures, while the Left Party is perceived to rely too heavily on crime prevention efforts.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos and involved 1193 interviews with eligible voters. The purpose of the survey was to gauge public perception of safety, trust in authorities, and attitudes towards different political party stances on crime.
The results of the survey indicate a complex landscape of perceptions and attitudes towards safety and crime in Sweden, with implications for policymakers and law enforcement authorities.