Crime rates on steep decline
Police reform credited for positive trend Crime is at its lowest level in eight years, according to the most recent Justice Ministry statistics. For certain types of crime, the first half of 2010 saw the lowest number of reported incidents...
Crime is at its lowest level in eight years, according to the most recent Justice Ministry statistics. For certain types of crime, the first half of 2010 saw the lowest number of reported incidents since 2002.
One reason is thought to be the controversial 2006 police reform, which may be starting to show results after a troublesome start.
Violent crimes and theft have fallen by 15 percent since 2006, while the number of vandalism-related reports has fallen by 26 percent since 2007, according to the figures.
“There is no precise explanation, but the police reform is definitely starting to pay off,” said Justice Minister Lars Barfoed. “The increased police focus on certain forms of crime has helped too”.
Other factors in the success, according to Barfoed, include stiffer penalties, preventative measures and a more visible police force.
National Police Commissioner Jens Henrik Højbjerg confirmed the positive trend.
“The improved statistics are a result of our increased focus on criminal injuries over the past few years,” he said. “With regards to staff and structure, we’re close to where we want to be, and that helps us focus our efforts on the most relevant areas”.
Højbjerg also mentioned the extensive police efforts directed at gang crimes, which have led to a decrease in crime rates in other areas too.
“We spend more time in our cars, which means we’ve become more visible. That has certainly played a role in the positive development, especially with regards to violence and vandalism."