Fewer break-ins in homes but more thefts

More thefts (cases of simple and minor larceny) have been reported so far this year in Norway, while fewer cases of aggravated theft (aggravated larceny) have been reported compared to last year. Aggravated theft from homes and cabins has dropped by 12 per cent, while five per cent fewer cases of aggravated theft from basements and attics have been reported. There has been a decrease in these types of offence since 1995. In addition, there has been a steady decrease in bicycle thefts.

Aggravated theft from businesses and public buildings has declined since last year.

Statistics for the period January to September 1998 show that the number of reported offences is up 9,700 so far this year, an increase of three per cent compared to the same period last year. The main reason for the change is an increase in thefts and drug-related offences.

Norway's penal code differentiates between petty larceny, simple and minor larceny and aggravated larceny. Under the law, aggravated larceny occurs when the offender breaks into and enters property, is armed or steals items worth a considerable amount of money. Simple and minor larceny covers less valuable items which are stolen without windows and doors being broken.

More drug-related offences

Narcotics-related offences also rose during the period. The 17 per cent increase is nevertheless moderate in relation to the increases seen over the past three years. Reported offences have risen 73 per cent since 1995. The least serious offences rose the most in the period including September 1998. Reported offences relating to the use and possession of narcotics were up 23 per cent compared to the same period last year. Violations of the so-called "professional provision" covering drug trafficking, i.e. violations of Penal Code section 162, sub-sections 2 and 3, rose 12 per cent.

Criminal picture as a whole

Other crimes against property, a category of offence mainly consisting of thefts, accounted for 54 per cent of all reported offences from January to September this year. The second largest category is traffic offences, which account for 14 per cent of all crimes, while drug crimes are number three. The smallest groups of offences are working environment crime and sex crimes.

New Statistics
Offences reported to the police, 3rd quarter, 1998. Preliminary figures.
The statistics are published every quarter in the Weekly Bulletin of Statistics. For more information, contact: Arnt.Even.Hustad@ssb.no, tel. +47 21 09 46 45.

Weekly Bulletin issue no. 44, 1998