Inside this week | High crime rate a low concern

From May 1, I will have been here ten years. Previously I lived in Southeast London, also for a decade. And it is curious to note that during my time here I have been a victim of crime five times (see G3 for details of The Illegal Trilogy, a dance piece that addresses the criminal industries of human trafficking, arms smuggling and drugs), while in London I never knowingly (there were assaults while I was intoxicated, but I’m not sure I had a good defence) had that privilege.

However, there is a good reason for this, and it reflects well on Denmark. I am very relaxed. A fellow “chilled-out entertainer”, David Brent might say. Life here is a breeze compared to the one I led in the likes of New Cross, Lewisham and Brockley (pre-1994 when they closed down one pub and the crime rate went down by 85 percent overnight, precipitating gentrification in the flash of an eye). 

 

I have never once approached a dark alley, or a shifty individual on Istedgade (where I live, in the middle of the red light district), and thought: “Don’t look like a victim; be prepared to run; no-one expects to be stabbed in the throat by a bunch of keys – except perhaps Joe Pesci.”  

And when I visit the Danish countryside, I don’t feel myself unwinding from the cauldron of the city and regarding everyone else as a donkey because I’m Shergar (before he was shot). I just find it boring.

 

But with this relaxation comes carelessness. Twice I have left my jacket in the changing room where I play football, and thrice (okay, probably a thousand times) I have left my bike unlocked. One such occasion occurred last Thursday. When I found my coat (previously they had stolen that as well – thank God for fashion-conscious thieves), it was missing my phone. When I return next week, I’m going to tape the charger to the hook with a few choice words. It will be fun.

 

But am I annoyed? Not really, I was insured and losing all my numbers feels like a relief. Do I curse the crime-ridden Danish state? Nah, the police are hopeless but the streets are safe – how many cities can truly say that? Will I be more vigilant? No, I’m enjoying myself too much being blasé. 

 




  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees

  • Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Some of Denmark’s leading companies reported solid financial results for 2024, with Lundbeck, Demant, and Vestas seeing growth, while Pandora tackled rising production costs with price increases and cost-saving measures.

  • Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    These days, the Greenlandic institutions are approving two new norms to restrict, reduce, or ban the possibility for foreign citizens to buy real estate on the island, as well as for political parties to receive large amounts of money from foreign donors.