The Minister for Children and Families announces new measures against youth crime – Greater Oslo

At the latest yesterday, a 15-year-old boy from Elverum, who is a participant in the Norway Cup, was robbed by ten young boys in the center of Oslo. On Monday evening, another teenager, who is also participating in the Norway Cup, was attacked and threatened with a knife at the National Theatre. Parents and coaches ask players to avoid wearing branded clothing. In addition, there have been several tip-off robberies in and around Oslo recently where the perpetrators are under the age of 15. Now Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe (Sp) is worried. Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe says she is concerned about the development she sees in youth crime. Photo: William Jobling / news – We hear from the police that there is a marked increase in youth crime, and that children carry out such acts against each other, says Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe. She says that such incidents happen all over the country, but that the risk is greater in the big cities. – In Oslo, we know that it is a big challenge, says Toppe. Announces new measures The Minister for Family Affairs says that several ministries have worked together to see what can be done to reverse the negative trend. Already after the summer, the government will announce the new measures, according to Toppe. – There are measures for the group of young people who commit serious crimes. She will not say anything about what kind of measures are involved yet. At the same time, she believes that this problem cannot be imprisoned. – We have to get better at prevention. At the same time, strengthen the community so that the children can be part of it and have a positive development. Can’t go in the center The under-15 boys’ players in Vestsiden-Askøy Sports Club are among those taking part in this year’s Norway Cup. On Ekebergsletta they can walk freely. But they are not allowed to go down to the city centre, says trainer Kjetel Aksel Berentsen. Kjetel Aksel Berentsen says that they talked to the parents beforehand about what precautions they should take when the boys came to Oslo. Photo: Bård Nafstad / news – We had a parents’ meeting ahead of time, and it was unanimously decided that they do not want the boys to walk alone in the city centre, he says. He singles out the robberies that have been seen in the center of Oslo as the reason. – We have focused on them being comfortable up here. If we then let them go, and an accident happens, then the focus is gone, he says. According to Berentsen, on the other hand, players who are 16 or older can go down to the city centre. The police have previously said in connection with the robberies that it is always wise to take precautions. Also at the Norway Cup. – Avoid noise, go together and let people know where you are going, says Tore Barstad, head of operations in the Oslo police district. Published 31.07.2024, at 16.03 Updated 31.07.2024, at 16.57



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