Norway 2008 Crime & Safety Report
Crime & Safety
Europe
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Norway
6 Aug 2008
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
Norway continues to experience a relatively low level of crime in comparison to the United States and other Western European countries. Residential burglaries and petty theft continue to be recorded as the most prevalent crimes. Police identify criminal youth gangs and the significant immigrant population, including criminals from the former Soviet Union, as the main perpetrators. In Oslo and the other major urban areas, crime has predictably been centered in the inner city and high transit areas. As in any other Western country, especially in urban areas, the exercise of basic security awareness is prudent. The majority of the criminal cases reported to the police continue to be theft-related incidents. Violent and weapons-related crimes are rare but are growing in frequency and receiving intense media coverage. Tourists and other short-term visitors should be aware that instances of pick- pocketing and petty theft are predictably common in the major tourist areas, hotel lobbies, train and transit stations, and in surrounding areas.
The climate in Norway has been known to cause occasional problems and inconveniences for travelers. Some mountain roads are closed from late fall to late spring due to blockage by snowfall or danger of avalanches. Spring flooding can create traffic delays. Mountain roads are narrow and winding. In Oslo and other large cities, air pollution in the winter months is prevalent and can affect those with asthma or other respiratory problems. The number of traffic accident victims has increased, but transportation of all forms is generally considered reliable and safe.
Political Violence
The overall threat facing Americans from political violence is low. Anti-American sentiments can best be characterized as small, planned, generally peaceful demonstrations against a particular U.S. policy. For instance, demonstrations have focused on the U.S. policy regarding Palestinian and Israeli issues, U.S. military action in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and capital punishment in the U.S. These protests have generally been staged at U.S. Embassy Oslo or in central areas of Oslo. Again, these protests have been against a specific official U.S. government position and have not targeted U.S. citizens as a whole. Norwegians are generally law-abiding citizens who pride themselves on their well-ordered, peaceful society. Norwegian police are assigned to all legal demonstrations and have special units on-call, 24 hours a day. There is no threat from war and/or civil unrest.
Post-specific Concerns
Strikes, protests, and other labor actions are prevalent in Norway but are generally announced through the media ahead of time and are usually of limited duration. The majority of criminal activity affecting the American community is a mix of residential burglary (non-violent); car theft (unattended) and petty crime (purse theft, pick-pocketing). Criminal activity is continually becoming more brazen.
Police Response
Travel in all areas of Norway is considered safe and the Norwegian police can be counted on to provide good services to foreigners during their stay in the country. The Norwegian police are generally responsive, professional, and cooperative. Law enforcement personnel in Norway are well trained and almost all speak fluent English. Their emergency response time is good and their equipment is excellent. Uniformed police patrol by foot, motorcycle, bicycle, horse, and car. Usually police do not carry firearms, but most police vehicles are assigned firearms. Norwegian police have a counter-terrorist squad, which consists of specially trained officers, who can respond immediately to large-scale emergency situations. People detained by the Norwegian police cannot be held for more than four hours without being formally charged with a crime. Free legal advice is available. The Norwegian legal system is similar to that of the U.S. American citizens who are detained by law enforcement authorities should request immediate notification to U.S. Embassy Oslo. Official corruption is rare and punishable under Norwegian law.
Police traditionally do not come to the scene of a routine non-violent crime such as a non-injury vehicle accident. People involved in an accident involving an injury must call the police and should not move the vehicles. They should fill in a Norwegian accident report, but should not discuss guilt or drink alcohol for 12 hours. Norway has one of the most severe laws regarding driving while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Norwegian law prescribes heavy penalties for even a low blood alcohol level (.2 per thousand). Police inspection checkpoints for drivers under the influence of alcohol are routine. The police emergency number throughout Norway is 112.
Medical Emergencies
Emergency medical assistance is widely available and emergency room care in general is of high duality and for the most part equivalent to U.S. standards. The ambulance emergency number throughout Norway is 113.
Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
Most hotels and tourist areas are located in walking distance from what can be considered inner city (East Oslo) higher crime areas, which makes instances of property crime and/or petty theft more likely to occur. Travelers are urged to use their hotel safes or safe deposit boxes and to carry limited amounts of cash and valuables. Exercising common sense and good judgment can best ensure personal safety. As in any overseas environment, American citizens should maintain a low profile and avoid wearing items that readily identify them as Americans. Private security companies are prevalent in Norway and can be seen performing their duties in train stations, shopping malls, and movie theaters.
For Further Information
U.S. Embassy Oslo is located near the Royal Palace at Henrik Ibsens gate 48 and can be reached at (47)244-8550, fax (47)2243-0777. Below is the contact information for various U.S Embassy offices.
Consular Section: Tel (47)2130-8715, Fax (47)2256-2751
Foreign Commercial Service: Tel (47)2130-8866, Fax (47)2255-8803
Regional Security Office: Tel (47)2130-8972, Fax (47)2130-8920
OSAC Country Council
Norway’s Country Council is active in Oslo and more information can be found at its website: http://oslo.osac.gov .The Norway Country Council is also part of the Nordic Regional Council.
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