Crime in Oslo

adam: 8th Nov 2005 - 11:04 GMT

holy shit.. great post (not shocked by the crime or anything though)

Peter: 8th Nov 2005 - 14:37 GMT

yeah, this is some real, candid stuff. i like it. thanks.

Jamie: 8th Nov 2005 - 14:58 GMT

i have to say i was kinda shocked to see such a level of violence in Norway. I've always imagined scandinavia to be a much more placcid place, but these photos make Oslo look more akin to Liverpool

Paul: 27th Jan 2006 - 16:50 GMT

I visited Oslo during the summer of 05. I witnessed a violent fight during daylight right outside a shopping mall. I saw 3 men beating 2 other men with bats. A local man which also witnessed the incident said that it looked like the men where members of the so called Tveita-gang, or the Norwegian "mafia".

reagan: 27th Jan 2006 - 19:10 GMT

Visited Oslo recently and experienced some Norwegian crime first hand -- had my camera bag nicked on Christmas morning within an hour of arriving in the nearly empty airport. Been safe w it all over most of Europe. Let my guard down in what I had been told was a very wealthy and safe city, and now regret it. Over the next four days came to partially understand the roots of the crime problem. The city is absurdly expensive -- even coming from London. If you're not into the outdoors (and not all kids are), would seem to be a bit of a drab place. Thus, would guess there's a lot of drug use. And there don't appear to be many exciting entreprenerial and commercial opportunities available (outside the energy sector).

Tyfoid Kid: 26th Mar 2006 - 21:03 GMT

I heard on NPR about 2 months ago that Oslo is the most expensive city to live in in the world (no longer Tokyo.) When you live somewhere where a cup of coffee is $12 and nice meal out for two is > $200 it has to push people who were on the fringes to begin with into more desperate straights.

Jan T: 8th Sep 2006 - 09:15 GMT

Well, it's expensive for tourists in Oslo, but for someone living in Oslo it's not more expensive than for a Londoner to live in London or a parisien to live in Paris.
And it depends on where you go too of course. I've never heard of a cup of coffee for 12 bucks anywhere in Oslo, that must be the result of exageration and "urban legends". You can get one for 1 dollar many places, and a nice meal could go for 30.
But the violence and crime is like most bigger cities in europe.

Børge: 1st Oct 2006 - 15:19 GMT

I don't think the fact that oslo is an expensive city has anything to do with the high crime number. It's also a fact that oslo is unique in norwegian matter. I live in the 3th largest city in norway, called trondheim, and the situation is quite different here.

I think the large number of immigrants has its blame for the expansion of gang culture. (i'm no racist, just speaking my mind). Expassially pakistan youth is known for their gangs and crime. Not many days ago norwegian police uncovered a house outside oslo where pakistanis had held and tortured members from a competing morocco/dutch gang, competing in the narko trade.

Let it been known that the gang culture is not a typical norwegian phenomenon. Altough almost 1 million norwegians immigrated to the US from 1825-1920, you seldomly hear about norwegians gang in US cities or similar crimes. (unlike the irish/italians/asian/afro-american and other) Like other Nordic citizens we have roots in farming and are perhaps a bit reserved for foreign cultures. Therefore are both narcotics and gang violence a rather new phenomenon in norway. Becomings a norwegian problem during the last 40/50 years.

Osloman20plus: 11th Nov 2006 - 23:58 GMT

I just want to say.. All in all, Oslo is still 'nothing' compared to larger and more international cities. But yeah, no doubt it has become worse over the last 15-20 years. But in fact, last 4-5 years, I think open drug use and drug addicts hanging outside as well as *walking all around town* has decreased... These pictures are like 4 to 6 years old and doesn't reflect todays situation totally. nowadays, usually there's more "night life violence" than gang-drug related stuff like portrayed here.

Someone should upload more and newer Oslo-pictures, the ones here now are starting to get old!

Bean: 19th Dec 2006 - 03:57 GMT

I see Drunken fights in Bergen (Norways second largest city) every Friday and Saturday/Sunday, But the situation is different here, Oslo got these immigrant gangs that chase eachother all the time making trouble. About the drug addicts: Oslo has become sort of a drug capitol, everyone goes to Oslo to get drugs from all over Scandinavia, only like 1/10 of all drug addicts on the street in Oslo are born and raised in Oslo. Weird thingy. Still Oslo is one of the most safest capitols on earth..

dudles: 20th Jan 2007 - 11:02 GMT

i would say its good that your not scared to show pictures an people that dont agree just stay off the site

Josh: 2nd Mar 2007 - 17:02 GMT

I have been in Oslo several times over the past years and have liked it less every time. Norway has become fantastically wealthy, and this wealth has mirrored itself in a cultural vulgarity which one sees nowhere else in western Europe.

Take the local press, for example: Aftenposten, which used to be the Norwegian equivalent of the New York Times, has degenerated into a tabloid rag, and this is the same with all the major papers in Oslo, with the exception of Morgenbladet (vet hva jeg skriver om fordi jeg leser norsk - I am able to judge them, because I read Norwegian).

But this is a digression from the topic. Yes, prices are high in Norway, but I am not convinced this is a factor behind the increase in crime. More to the point, and, at the risk of sounding un-PC, I believe the problem lies in uncontrolled immigration. If Norwegian authorities were to check the background of so-called asylum seekers more carefully, they would frequently find (and occasionally have found) records of previous criminal activity. An effort should be made to stop all future immigration and repatriate all asylum seekers as soon as conditions in their homelands improve.

Swedish student: 28th Mar 2007 - 09:58 GMT

There is in fact a lot of crime in Oslo, but this can be said to be a problem in most capitols in the world. If you take a look at statistics from crime in Norway (ssb.no), you can clearly see that this is an Oslo-problem, much like a Paris-problem or Barcelona-problem. The major cities in most countries absorb criminals from all over the country.

As a Swedish student in Norway I have visited Oslo several times. Like most cities there are places to go, and places NOT to go. Oslo is a fun place with a lot to do, so if you ever go there you might want to take some normal repercussions, but have a good time.

On the other hand I think that most of the crime in Oslo is caused by all the drug addicts (which is a big problem in Oslo), and by the gangs (which the police never seem to get the hold of).

jj: 1st Apr 2007 - 06:01 GMT

It invariably IS immigrant crime. No wonder the US wants to put a wall on its southern border. Excuses can be made; rationalizations can be offered. It's always been shown that immigrant crime--especially gang crime--is rampant when borders are opened so freely.

John: 4th Apr 2007 - 05:46 GMT

Well the reason from the sudden Crime wave and violence is because of the Muslim immigrant groups who migrated to Norway such as the pakistani gangs the Albanian gangs and the Moroccans who are all rough ppl and very violent

Tom: 12th May 2007 - 21:40 GMT

Just saw on the news that police in Brazil and Norway staged coordinated raids on suspected criminal activity in Natal, Brazil by Norwegian mafia, knicknamed by the police as the "B-gang". Assets for more than 50 million USD in boats, cars and luxorious appartment complexes and money laundering. Also, suspected activities are looked into in Thailand, where illegaly invested values could be in the 100s of millions USD.
Jeeez. Never knew norwegian mafia even existed, and not in such a large scale anyways. How could this have escalated so much?

Josh: 19th May 2007 - 14:37 GMT

Both A-Gjengen and B-Gjengen are run by criminal elements within Oslo's immigrant Pakistani community. Both immigrants and ethnic Norwegians are their victims. The Norwegian police have been criticized for not having taken stronger action against them.

Edward Attard from Malta: 22nd May 2007 - 10:08 GMT

The Norwegian criminologist Nils Christie is in favour of abolishing prisons. Do the Norwegians agree?

lederer_brian@yahoo.com: 17th Nov 2007 - 15:16 GMT

They are going to have to legalize drugs before any serious crime is going to go down percentage wise. which is true in any place in the world especially the U.S.A.

Osloman20plus: 12th May 2008 - 00:39 GMT

amen to the ^^ comment, though "legalize" might be a bit of a strong word. I'd rather put it as "changing our thinking about the drug problem somewhere around 180 degrees" or something... But still, I agree very much. And I live in the place we happen to be discussing here. The WWaRR on DrugZZ, pfffffft what a joke!

j davis: 20th Aug 2008 - 19:40 GMT

The main problem is letting in immigrants who do not want to assimilate into Norwegian culture but want to change Norway into an islamic state. They were already a problem when I lived in Stockholm in the late 60's. Norway and Europe in general should consider deporting these barbarians back to their own countries and see how they fare when the commit the same crimes there! Get them out!!

Daniel (lives in norway): 15th Sep 2008 - 20:43 GMT

yeah, this place can sometimes be a scarry city, but thats just like in america, if you walk around in new york, there will be a lot more voilence. this is a very calm place, if you're in norway, you cant help feling safe. these pictures were probably taken over a long time period. we have awfully smal citys in norway, the police are around evry corner!

knuut: 5th Oct 2008 - 17:44 GMT

oslo is not a safe city, if you walk down the akers river, you get often robbed/beaten down by people if you say no to buy drugs.

Ashley: 14th Nov 2008 - 13:14 GMT

I really think you have to look at these photos in context. You have crime in every city - but unless it's shown to you on a platter you never really realize it. It reminds me of when everyone was freaking out about shark attacks or school shootings, when really, both of those things were on the fall, but because they were publicized everyone flipped out.

I've been to Oslo as well as several other European cities, and didn't feel any less safe there. Hell, I'm more afraid of being alone in New York City than I am in Oslo. If you mind yourself and take care like in any other situation, you'll be just fine.

Man from Oslo: 26th Nov 2008 - 03:02 GMT

If you mind your own business, you'll be safe here in Oslo. I know, I've lived here for 24 years.
And the small amount of violence that actually happens to innocent people, are basically caused by non-western immigrants and drunk people.

Andrew: 27th Nov 2008 - 09:09 GMT

This problem have every city in the world. I have question. Rapes in Norway? Is a big problem? I saw statistic from past years.. I am in shock.

sam: 2nd Dec 2008 - 19:52 GMT

why do people do this can't the whole world be peaceful instead of fight there's also never reasons when people kill each other it is always nonsense

Andrew: 11th Dec 2008 - 10:23 GMT

All Scandinavia is not safe now. Look at crime statistic... People have fear, because their life cannot manage. :(

Cindy from Oslo: 31st Dec 2008 - 18:53 GMT

The crime has rised with 20% since dec.2007 according to TV2News channel. And according to Aftenposten (newspaper), there are 4 times more crime in Oslo then in New York ( http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2299327.ece ) I believe the main reasons for the high rated crime can be caused with an lack of policemen in duty, corruption has been silently high for a long time and as one guy said, police hasn`t done much to defeat the mafias (or bigger gangs) like Tveita-Gang, A-Gang, B-Gang, Young Guns etc, buy also there are also MC gangs thats recruting at the moment such as Bandidos / Genocide, Hells Angels, Outlaws, Coffin Cheaters so we will see if they do something about that. Prostitution is a problem in the biggest cities aswell. I lived in Slettheia, Kristiansand, Norway (South Norway) for a few years ago and i must say that i have never ever seen such an "junky" district anywhere i have been. All buildings where full of junkies, and even people had been laying dead in their appartments for for many days. Just once in a while i saw a copcar driving by. Crime and weapons is an "natural" thing there but theres no serious "gangs" exept from a couple of "big time" drug dealers. At a place called Grim in Kristiansand, Norway it is a little like the same, much drugs. When I went at Grim Youth School there was everything from drugs, weapons, fighting to police in classrooms. Fedrelandsvennen (local newspaper) said the school was worse then in Chicago after an fighting episode where 300 students where involved. In total there are 450 students at Grim Youth School (Grim Skole). Now the school has calmed very down but the criminals that vent to that school are mostly criminals today aswell, 6 years later. Ok, I guess its the same in every countries but if u`re going to any of the biggest cities in Norway (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Kristiansand S, Drammen etc.) you dont have to worry but go where it is people in sight and not through the slum areas.

olaf4805437: 11th Feb 2009 - 19:28 GMT

Hey dude. The real crime in Norway is that life is so unbelivably dull. ´Weegies are a conservative, protestant, unfashionable, unpolite, spoilt, unhelpful, etc. people. Norway does have some wonderful things especially if you are an admirer of natural beauty, HOWEVER if you are a fan of culture, and of enjoying life I suggest you try elsewhere. Individuality is rare, as is being fashionble internationally speaking (norwegians generally prefering there own childish styles -this is not a joke) Daily pleasures are extremely heavily taxed and controlled in Norway: for example one a week day it is illegal for me to go into a supermarket and buy a coke can sized can of beer after 8pm. Wine is only available in special government controlled stores, that close at i believe 3 pm on a saturday. Pubs generally only serve a single type of beer. Adult ´Weegies will try to excuse the fact that they are treated like children by there own government 1) because deep down they actually like it this way (extreme self punishing protestants)(plus earier fashion statement) 2) because they are under the dellussion that they have higher disposible income than every other country in the world, and that therefore it is acceptable that enjoyment taxes are so high. In fact they can buy very little with their earnings in their own country compared to many other nations. And 3) because being socially retarded they prefer to sit at home with the same group of friends each weekend (there excuse that it is too expensive to drink out) They, well... just dont come here if you like the idea of drinking good wine everyday, of meeting new people all the time and generally living as though life is too short (which of course it is). A possible way around this if you do already live in Norway such as myself is to smoke cannabis and take ecstacy tablets instead of buying alcohol. However ecstasy users be warned there are very few nightclubs in norway where it is possible to dance, this being regarded as to unconventional by the locals. (one notable exception that i know being the club "hulen" in bergen (well at last it was like that 6 years ago).

knut: 21st Apr 2009 - 19:29 GMT

Accoring to the nowegian newspapir Dagbladet, Oslo got 4 times higher crime rate than New York(new york got a very low crime rate compared to other us citys). Most off the crime in oslo is gta, pick pockets, stabbings, fights, protitusion and drugs. But homecides is quite low. Norwegian gangmebers choose more effective and safe methods like breaking fingers and legs. I will say that Oslo is a very safe city if you dont have anything do do with crime there. Its easy to get robbed there but its avoided if you stay avay from the rough parts off the city.

Joseph: 29th May 2009 - 21:37 GMT

I was in Oslo last month. I stayed at the Radisson SAS next to the Central Train Station. Got knock down by police officers chasing after a shoplifter in the station -broke my glasses. I was real nervous walking around the area. Alot of drifters sleeping in the adjacent park - they were constantly checking you out. But other than that, Oslo rocks - May Day events - nightlife - what a place to spend my birthday - very friendly people - the Norwegian women are incredible.

Richard: 12th Jul 2009 - 13:06 GMT

I am in Oslo at the moment. I've only been here for less than a week but I've seen 2 people with syringes full of the brown stuff about to inject themselves in broad daylight. I've been shocked by the number of immigrants, in many areas they outnumber the locals. Yesterday I walked from the Botanical gardens (very beautiful and relaxing) to the City centre. When I walked along one section of Motzfeldts gate I was the only European. I was hit by the complete change in character of the area. Yes the buildings were Norwegen, but the people, shops and bazar were not.
This is a real shame. Norwegens have a lot to offer to tourists. There very friendly beautiful people. They created a safe, yes maybe boring to some, but none the less a safe and affluent society. They also have a fantastic tradition and culture set in one of the most beautiful lanscapes on the planet. It will be a crime if the consequences of immigration are allowed to destroy this.

John: 19th Aug 2009 - 12:02 GMT

Oslo is the shittiest capital in all of Scandinavia... hookers and drug addicts everywhere... everything is really expensive too... do yourself a favor and visit Stockholm instead.

velvetman: 19th Aug 2009 - 12:18 GMT

Oh yes I agree. I`ve been all around the world and I have to say that I`ve never been in a country with more assholes than in Norway. They are a self-loving, hypocritical nation of people. You can`t possibly fit in there unless you are an inborn native. And Olso simply sucks in every way, stinky boring expensive shitty city.

Stefan: 16th Sep 2009 - 16:02 GMT

I don't quite agree with many of the criticisms of Norwegians made above - you will find many more disagreeable people in Germany, where I come from, than you ever will in Norway! Every country has its good, mediocre and bad types.
But I, too, have been surprised by the Oslo city government's obvious inattentiveness toward crime, drugs etc., which have become so much a part of the daily scene. Last summer there were large groups of Nigerian prostitutes swarming in Oslo's streets, and the police, authorities did nothing, absolutely nothing at all. And then there are bands of Romanian and Albanian burglars, whom the police arrest and release a few days later.
Wake up, Norway. Schengen and Stoltenberg aren't doing good things for you.

Daniel: 5th Oct 2009 - 14:44 GMT

I just loved the comment of VELVETMAN ..........8 years in Norway and 6 in Oslo and thats the truth...

Andrew: 10th Oct 2009 - 08:20 GMT

Norway is still great and safe. Some streets in Oslo require more attention, but the common sense you should be ok. People are good and bad is not the nation!

Andrew: 10th Oct 2009 - 08:23 GMT

btw. regarding the safety of Sweden several times for the worse!