Safety and crime rates in Denmark: Low overall crime rate. High trust in police. Petty theft in tourist areas. Safe public transportation system. Few violent crimes. Strict gun control laws. CCTV in urban areas. Safe for solo travelers. Crime reporting is straightforward. Neighborhood watch programs active.
Low overall crime rate.
Denmark has a low overall crime rate, with property crimes such as burglaries, thefts, and robberies decreasing significantly over the past decade. Although there has been an increase in violent crimes and reported rape cases due to increased reporting and legal changes, the country continues to maintain a sense of safety and security. For more detailed statistics and insights on this topic, you can explore the Crime in Denmark report on Statista. This comprehensive report provides a deeper look into the trends and data surrounding crime rates in Denmark, offering a clearer picture of the nation's safety landscape.
High trust in police.
In Denmark, a record high of 87% of the population trusts the police, according to a 2022 Justice Ministry survey, with an impressive 89% feeling safe in their neighborhoods. However, trust and safety levels are notably lower in vulnerable neighborhoods, primarily due to gang activity. For more insights, you can visit the Copenhagen Post. The general sentiment reflects a strong confidence in law enforcement across the country, showcasing an overall sense of security among Danish citizens.
Petty theft in tourist areas.
Denmark is often regarded as a safe destination, but visitors should remain vigilant as petty theft is a prevalent issue, especially in tourist hotspots like Christiania and Nyhavn in Copenhagen. These areas, along with transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, are common grounds where pickpockets and purse-snatchers target unsuspecting tourists. For more detailed information on safety in Denmark, you can visit this guide on Travellers Worldwide. Staying aware of your surroundings and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safer visit to this beautiful country.
Safe public transportation system.
Denmark's public transportation system is considered safe, with a low road fatality rate of 34 per million inhabitants in 2019. The significant reduction in road fatalities over the past decades can be attributed to high-quality road infrastructure, younger vehicle fleets, and effective safety measures. For more detailed insights into Denmark's advancements in road safety, you can explore the ERSO Country Overview 2021 for Denmark.
Few violent crimes.
Denmark has relatively low violent crime rates, with around 550-600 reported cases of violent crime per 100,000 inhabitants between 2018 and 2023, except for a peak of 633 in 2022. Despite this, violent confrontations are rare, and crimes such as muggings, sexual assault, and racially motivated violence are uncommon, according to data from Statista. This suggests that Denmark remains a safe country in comparison to many other nations.
Strict gun control laws.
Denmark has strict gun control laws, requiring individuals to demonstrate a valid reason for firearm possession, obtain a permit, and clear background checks, which correlates with significantly lower rates of mass shootings and gun violence compared to the U.S. The country's annual gun death rate per 100,000 people is significantly lower at 0.95 versus the U.S.'s 5.9. For more in-depth insights into these regulations, you can visit their comprehensive overview of Gun Laws And Denmark on the Desifacts website.
CCTV in urban areas.
In Denmark, CCTV in urban areas is extensively used, with approximately 300,000 public cameras installed, including those on public transport. The Danish Crime Prevention Council plays a central role in guiding the use of CCTV, emphasizing crime prevention, clear guidelines for data handling, and differentiated surveillance fields to ensure effective and responsible use. For more information, visit the Public Space CCTV Scotland website for detailed insights.
Safe for solo travelers.
Copenhagen is highly safe for solo travelers, particularly Solo Female Travelers, with a very low crime rate, robust digital security, and a walkable city that is safe to explore even at night. However, it is still important to remain vigilant for petty crimes like pickpocketing in tourist areas. For a comprehensive guide on exploring Copenhagen alone, visit the Copenhagen Solo Travel Guide for more details and tips to enhance your travel experience.
Crime reporting is straightforward.
Crime reporting in Denmark is straightforward; after reporting a crime, victims receive a receipt with a police file number, and the case is investigated by the police, with subsequent steps including potential indictment and court proceedings if necessary. For more detailed information, potential victims and witnesses can refer to the Information for Victims of Crime document provided by the authorities which outlines the entire process and support available.
Neighborhood watch programs active.
In Denmark, the Nabohjaelp (Neighbourhood Watch) program, initiated in 2012, aims to reduce burglaries and enhance community safety by empowering local communities through active neighbourhood watch schemes. Utilizing a modernized concept with a new online digital platform, the program organizes and maintains neighbourhood watch activities effectively.