The article summarizes some key elements of a 1996 report to the Swedish Ministry of Justice which was part of the government’s national crime prevention program. The program emphasized the importance of coordinating crime prevention efforts of the legal system and other participants. What is perceived as problematical behavior differs from region to region, city to city and areas within a city. It is thus important that crime prevention work be based on a description of the local problem profile. The final aim of a national crime prevention program is locally developed crime prevention programs, with a national support structure, encompassing early social prevention, later-stage social prevention, early situational prevention, general situational prevention, and programs for chronic criminals. The article discusses the role of the police, local development initiatives and their objectives, integrated local strategy, situational and social prevention, and special programs for chronic criminals. Figure, references