The data used Swedish conviction statistics that were available for the period since 1831. Swedish trends in theft convictions followed an international pattern with reductions during the second half of the 19th century and settling at a comparatively low level during the decades around the turn of the 20th century. A sharp increase occurred after the mid-1920's until the mid-1980's. This increase took the form of an S-curve whose course resembles that of goods production. It could be concluded that once a basic level of material security had been guaranteed, theft convictions followed the availability of goods; with more to consume, there was more to steal, and levels of control tended to diminish. However, this explanation may not apply to a smaller proportion of convictions–-those that concerned persistent offenders. Their development differed from that of casual offenders in that the steep rise was very sudden and occurred first after the Second World War. Factors that may have contributed to this sharp rise were discussed including excessive alcohol consumption, the effect of immigration on the job market, and heightened performance demands in the job market. 8 figures, 5 footnotes, and 68 references.