Sure! Here’s a refined version of the content, capturing the essence and details while presenting a more engaging and professional tone:
—
“It is a societal problem. It creates fear and pain,” asserts Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansen in a statement to NRK.
In a thoughtfully appointed meeting room at the Storting, Aas-Hansen stands before a flip chart to shed light on a disturbing trend: serious crimes against children and young people in Norway are evolving in troubling new ways.
“We have a fairly good overview of who is committing these repeated serious crimes,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of addressing this pressing issue.
According to Aas-Hansen, there are currently 137 repeat offenders charged with serious offenses.
“This encompasses crimes such as violence, robbery, serious threats, and even attempted murder. However, she reassures us that the police maintain control over these individuals.”
As she illustrates key statistics from 2024, drawn from Statistics Norway, the gravity of the situation becomes clear:
– Last year, 8,409 children and young people under the age of 18 were charged with crimes, representing approximately 2% of that demographic.
– Among them, 6,031 were charged with one offense, while 2,241 faced between two and nine charges.
– Alarmingly, 137 individuals were responsible for ten or more offenses.
“What do we know about these 137? What characterizes them?” Aas-Hansen probes.
She reveals that many come from difficult backgrounds, often themselves victims of crime. “They carry vulnerabilities, frequently hailing from resource-poor environments, and many have been exposed to violence.”
While acknowledging the troubling reality of their circumstances, Aas-Hansen underscores that this understanding, while informative, does not excuse their actions. “It explains why these individuals are susceptible to both committing crimes and being drawn into criminal activities,” she states firmly.
She elaborates on the figures, noting, “Around 2,500 youths were charged with at least two offenses last year.”
“When we know who the offenders are, it raises an important question: How can they continue to commit such acts?”
Aas-Hansen insists on the need for immediate responses to criminal activity, emphasizing that repeat offenses should not go unchecked. “We must implement a rapid reaction system so that individuals cannot engage in multiple crimes without consequences.”
She highlights that even a single incident can result in several charges against an individual. “It is crucial to act swiftly,” she insists.
However, as scrutiny intensifies, a critical question emerges: “But if the data shows 137 cases of repeated offenses, how is it that the police have claimed control?”
“The police are aware of these young people’s identities and the vulnerabilities they face,” Aas-Hansen responds. “They understand the backgrounds from which these individuals come.”
“But how do they continue to offend?”
She emphasizes the necessity of quick interventions and proposes a streamlined approach to criminal proceedings nationwide. “We need effective and prompt reactions to address offenses, irrespective of whether the individual is under or over the age of 15.”
The Minister expresses concern for what she terms “the marginal zone children” — those who may have committed a crime once or twice but are at risk of becoming repeat offenders. “We want to divert them from that path,” she states resolutely.
The government has proposed several measures to combat youth crime, including expedited court processes for all ages, individualized support for at-risk youth, the establishment of emergency response teams in schools, and tougher penalties for illegal weapons possession.
Statistics from Norway indicate a worrying trend: the number of children and young people accused of crimes has risen since 2017, particularly among those under 15.
However, researchers like Stian Lid and Lars Roar Frøyland believe it is important to contextualize these figures, arguing that while the data is alarming, it could be skewed by increased reporting from schools and parents.
Yet, Jon Engen-Helgheim, the justice policy spokesperson for Fremskrittspartiet, warns that these statistics reflect serious crimes committed by a small, extreme group. “The government seems to underestimate the severity of these cases. We need to monitor future developments closely,” he cautions.
In discussing the backgrounds of these repeat offenders, Aas-Hansen notes an over-representation of young people with minority backgrounds in Oslo. “The reasons are complex, involving vulnerabilities and poverty. We must investigate the root causes to develop effective preventative measures,” she stresses.
As concerns mount over the recruitment of young individuals into criminal activities, exacerbated by the influence of adult networks, Aas-Hansen affirms the necessity of vigilance. “We have seen this pattern throughout history, but the current involvement of cynical adults is a new and alarming development.”
Ultimately, the Minister calls for greater awareness and oversight, especially as many young offenders are recruited online, making it essential to track their online activities without compromising privacy.
—
Published: 22.12.2025, at 23:02