Feb 16 • 19:46 UTC 🇩🇰 Denmark Politiken

Expert: Major initiative against rental criminals risks hitting the wrong targets

An expert warns that the government's new initiative aimed at tackling rental crime might misdirect its efforts, particularly concerning the punishment of youth involved in serious crimes.

The Danish government is proposing a series of stringent measures aimed at tackling a concerning trend where teenagers are recruited for criminal activities, including serious offenses like murder. Known as 'crime as a service', this phenomenon sees young individuals being hired to commit crimes in exchange for money, often resulting in dire consequences for both the criminals and their victims. The government plans to implement harsh penalties for these offenses, with the intent to deter youth from participating in such activities.

However, experts caution that these measures might inadvertently target the wrong individuals. The focus on severe punishment may overlook the underlying issues that lead youth into these criminal networks, such as socio-economic factors, lack of opportunities, and community support. Rather than solely relying on punitive measures, there's a call for a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes of why young individuals may become involved in crime.

Additionally, the debate over the effectiveness and fairness of such an approach is ongoing in Denmark. While the intention of the government is to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates, many believe that addressing the social conditions contributing to youth crime is equally crucial. The implications of this initiative extend beyond the legal realm and into societal discussions on youth engagement, rehabilitation, and community intervention strategies.

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