The Salto report, a joint assessment by Oslo municipality and police, indicates that youth crime is decreasing somewhat but becoming more serious, with more offenses committed by younger age groups. Police chief Ida Melbo Øystese said at a press conference that robbery cases involving youth under 18 have dropped by over 55%. "We are very happy about that.
We see that measures we have implemented are now starting to work," she said. The report also notes that recruitment to criminal environments and networks is happening in new ways. In response, the city council is spending 40 million Norwegian kroner this year on a one-to-one follow-up initiative, which over 120 youths have received, according to social city council member Julianne Ferskaug.
She said the initiative has led to less drug use, more school participation, and a reduction in registered crime. "The initiatives we are doing together, they work," Ferskaug said. City council leader Eirik Lae Solberg said the trends underscore the need for continued systematic work to reduce child and youth crime.
The specific crimes included in the 'more serious' category and the exact age range of younger offenders have not been detailed.