Published on
December 29, 2025
Over the past decade many European cities have wrestled with violent gangs and organised criminal networks. In 2024 the Swedish parliament adopted a law allowing the police to create temporary security zones in urban districts whenever there is a significant risk of shootings or explosions[1]. These zones are defined areas where officers may search people and vehicles without warrants and the zones can last up to two weeks[2]. The law was introduced because the police had identified 59 vulnerable areas across Sweden in 2023, including 27 classified as vulnerable, 15 at risk of becoming particularly vulnerable and 17 classed as “especially vulnerable”[3]. In 2025 the police’s annual report on vulnerable areas refined the list to 65 exposed neighbourhoods and explained that previously combined districts like Rinkeby‑Tensta and Rissne‑Hallonbergen were being split into separate neighbourhood units[4]. These areas, concentrated in suburbs of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, have become hubs for organised crime.
Sweden – vulnerable suburbs and safety zones
Sweden’s crime problem is most acute in greater Stockholm, where neighbourhoods like Rinkeby, Tensta, Hjulsta, Husby and Akalla have been plagued by gang violence. The Swedish Police Authority’s security zone guidelines note that police can create a security zone when there is a clear risk of serious violent crime and that the measure aims to stop criminal groups from taking revenge on each other[5]. Inside a zone, police may search people and vehicles with fewer grounds for suspicion[6]. The presence of security zones means access to certain districts may be restricted or subject to checkpoints, making them effectively off‑limits for casual visitors in 2026. Outside Stockholm, the 2025 report lists parts of Gothenburg—such as Biskopsgården, Bergsjön and Tynnered—and districts in Malmö like Rosengård as especially vulnerable. These areas have seen shootings and explosions linked to drug‑trafficking gangs. Travel advisories from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warn that gang‑related crime, including knife crime, shootings and explosions, has been reported in Malmö, Stockholm and Gothenburg[7]. Tourists are advised to take particular care of their belongings in major cities and to stay away from districts that are experiencing gang violence[8].
Denmark – Christiania and Nørrebro
While Denmark enjoys generally low crime rates, a few neighbourhoods in Copenhagen have become notorious for gang violence. The FCDO travel advice states that pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in the central station, Nørreport station, Strøget shopping street and tourist areas like Christiania and Nyhavn[9]. It urges travellers to take extra care in Christiania and Nørrebro, particularly at night, because there have been instances of gang violence in these areas[10]. The Government of Canada’s advisory echoes this, listing Christiania, Nørrebro and Brønshøj‑Husum as neighbourhoods where gang‑related violence has occurred[11]. The advisory notes that on 26 August 2023 a fatal shooting linked to the drug trade occurred in Christiania and that this was the fourth such fatal shooting since 2020[12]. Residents have called for an end to the illegal drug trade in the district, and visitors are warned not to take photographs; tourists have been assaulted and robbed after photographing dealers[13]. Tourists venturing into Christiania should avoid areas where open drug sales take place and remain vigilant[14].
Belgium – Brussels and Antwerp
Belgium’s location on Europe’s drug trafficking routes has fuelled violent clashes between rival gangs. The FCDO warns that there are regular incidents of violent crime among organised crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, particularly in Brussels, Antwerp and other large cities[15]. Confrontations between gangs have included shootings, stabbings and the use of homemade explosives[16]. Although the violence mainly targets those involved in the drug trade, the travel advice stresses that “there is always the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time” and urges visitors to remain vigilant[17]. Drivers have reported being approached at parking areas by criminals who ask them to smuggle goods to the UK—a scam known as “window tapping”; travellers encountering suspicious activity should report it to the police[18]. Because of these risks, some neighbourhoods in the port city of Antwerp and districts around Brussels’s north boroughs have gained reputations as dangerous.
Netherlands – organised crime and pickpocketing hubs
Amsterdam’s reputation as a tolerant city has also attracted organised crime. The FCDO notes that pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in central Amsterdam and around Amsterdam Central Station[19]. Thieves often operate in gangs on trains and trams to and from Schiphol airport, using distraction techniques such as asking for directions while another person steals bags[19]. The travel advice adds that criminals sometimes impersonate police officers; Dutch police have warned that criminals use false police identities to trick tourists into handing over cash and cards, and genuine plain‑clothes police rarely conduct such inspections[20]. Beyond petty theft, the Netherlands faces organised crime linked to drug trafficking, with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and other large cities experiencing violent incidents including shootings, stabbings and homemade explosives[21]. As in Belgium, the authorities note that the risk affects those involved in drugs but caution visitors to stay alert to avoid being caught in cross‑fire[22]. Some neighbourhoods around Amsterdam’s red‑light district (De Wallen), Rotterdam’s harbour area and Rotterdam‑Zuid have seen gang‑related attacks, prompting municipal authorities to increase police presence and close certain businesses.
Spain – pickpocketing and roadside scams in Barcelona and Madrid
Spain remains a popular destination, but tourists should be aware of rampant petty crime in major cities. The Government of Canada’s travel advisory states that petty crime occurs frequently in crowded public areas and lists El Prat airport, Parc Güell, Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça Reial and the Sagrada Família as hotspots in Barcelona[23]. In Madrid, similar problems occur at Barajas airport, Atocha station, Gran Vía, Plaza Cibeles, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Retiro park[24]. Thieves use distraction tactics such as spilling drinks or engaging travellers in conversation to steal bags[25]. The advisory also warns about roadside scams, where criminals simulate a breakdown or offer help and then rob motorists[26]. While these crimes are generally non‑violent, they can leave tourists stranded and without travel documents. Because Barcelona’s pickpocket problem is notorious, some travellers may choose to avoid the most crowded streets or visit during off‑peak hours to reduce risk.
Denmark’s Brønshøj‑Husum and other troubled suburbs
Copenhagen’s district of Brønshøj‑Husum, located in the northwest of the city, has also experienced gang‑related violence. The Canadian advisory lists it alongside Christiania and Nørrebro as an area affected by gang violence[11]. This district has seen a number of shootings tied to rivalry between gangs from different ethnic backgrounds. The local municipality and police have responded by increasing patrols and community outreach. Because incidents often involve firearms, travellers are advised to avoid Brønshøj‑Husum at night and to be cautious even during daylight hours.
Impact on travel and visitor safety
With the introduction of security zones in Sweden and continued gang violence in certain districts of Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands, 2026 could see parts of European cities effectively closed to visitors. These measures do not mean entire countries are unsafe; rather, they underscore the importance of understanding local conditions. Police in Sweden emphasise that security zones are meant to make it harder for criminals to prepare serious violent crimes and that the zones must be justified by a clear risk of violence[27]. Visitors to Sweden should check police announcements before travelling to suburbs of Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö. In Denmark, travellers should respect the warnings about Christiania and Nørrebro, avoid photographing or buying drugs, and use licensed taxis. In Belgium and the Netherlands, visitors should stay away from known drug‑trafficking neighbourhoods after dark and maintain vigilance in busy tourist areas. In Spain, taking simple precautions—securing personal belongings, avoiding roadside assistance from strangers and booking accommodation in safe neighbourhoods—can mitigate the risk of theft.
Crime and gang activity can affect any large city, but official travel advisories provide valuable guidance for travellers seeking safe experiences. By late 2025 and 2026, Sweden plans to use temporary security zones in 65 vulnerable neighbourhoods to combat escalating gang violence[4]. Copenhagen’s districts of Christiania, Nørrebro and Brønshøj‑Husum have become notorious for shootings and drug‑related crime[11]. Belgium’s Brussels and Antwerp and the Netherlands’ Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague face violent incidents linked to drug gangs[28][21]. Barcelona and Madrid have not reached the same level of violence but remain hotspots for pickpocketing and fraud[29]. Travellers in 2026 should stay informed, avoid high‑risk neighbourhoods, and follow local authorities’ advice to ensure their safety while exploring Europe.
Swedish Parliament law on temporary safety zones and analysis by the Library of Congress[30][3].Swedish Police Authority guidance on security zones[31].Swedish Police report on vulnerable areas, as summarised in the annual assessment[4].UK FCDO travel advice for Sweden regarding gang‑related crime in Malmö, Stockholm and Gothenburg[8].UK FCDO travel advice for Denmark, warning about gang violence in Christiania and Nørrebro[32].Government of Canada advisory for Denmark outlining gang‑related violence in Christiania, Nørrebro and Brønshøj‑Husum[11].UK FCDO travel advice for Belgium on organised crime violence in Brussels, Antwerp and other cities[28].UK FCDO travel advice for the Netherlands on pickpocketing and organised crime in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other cities[33].Government of Canada travel advisory for Spain identifying pickpocketing hotspots and roadside scams in Barcelona and Madrid[29].Government of Canada travel advisory for Italy describing common pickpocket tactics and safety precautions[34].
