Unemployment and crime in Sweden, 2000 to 2014 : A study with a focus on younger individuals

Abstract: This thesis studies the relationship between youth unemployment and property crime in Sweden during the period 2000 to 2014. Data on the crime participation of suspected individuals from the NCCP is used to estimate a model that tests the relationship between the unemployment rate and the crime participation of individuals 15 to 17 as well as 18 to 24. The model is estimated using yearly panel data covering the 21 different Swedish counties. Random effects, as well as time dummies, are used. A positive and statistically significant relationship between the unemployment rate among individuals aged 18 to 24 and the crime participation of the same age group is established. No similar statistically significant relationship between the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 to 17 and the crime participation of the same age group is established. The data on crime participation hasn’t previously been used in this way and the results are therefore compared to the results of previous studies. These comparisons result in the conclusion that the data used in this thesis is suitable for these types of analyses.