Car break-ins in Norway

Parked cars across Norway, including Bergen. This is one of the crimes tourists are most likely to experience, despite the low overall crime rate.

How it works

Someone breaks into a parked car to steal belongings. Valuables left in view give thieves a reason to target it.

Warning signs

Phones, bags or other valuables are visible through the windows.

How to avoid it

Take valuables with you when you park.
Keep remaining belongings out of sight.
Lock the car and check the windows before leaving.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe and report the break-in to police. Photograph the damage and list the missing items. Contact your rental company or insurer if needed.

Get somewhere safe. Call 112 if someone threatens you or you are in immediate danger. Call 113 for a medical emergency.
Stop further losses. Freeze missing cards, contact your bank and remotely lock a stolen phone.
Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking details, screenshots and messages. Note the time, place and taxi licence number if relevant.
Report the incident to police. For non-emergencies, call 02800 from within Norway. Ask for a report reference.
Contact the taxi company, booking app, merchant or card issuer about disputed charges. Explain what happened and provide the evidence.
Contact your insurer if you need to claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help.

Where it happensParked cars across Norway, including Bergen. This is one of the crimes tourists are most likely to experience, despite the low overall crime rate.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in NorwayBicycle theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the car break-ins scam in Norway?

Someone breaks into a parked car to steal belongings. Valuables left in view give thieves a reason to target it.

How can I spot it early?

Phones, bags or other valuables are visible through the windows.

How do I avoid car break-ins in Norway?

Take valuables with you when you park. Keep remaining belongings out of sight. Lock the car and check the windows before leaving.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe and report the break-in to police. Photograph the damage and list the missing items. Contact your rental company or insurer if needed.

Where in Norway does this happen?

Parked cars across Norway, including Bergen. This is one of the crimes tourists are most likely to experience, despite the low overall crime rate.

How common is this scam in Norway?

Common. Norway has low crime levels, and common tourist scams are rare. The main risks are car break-ins, bicycle theft, pickpocketing and high taxi charges, especially when hailing a taxi in Oslo. Currency exchange and payment conversion can also cost you extra, though these charges are not necessarily scams.

Are there similar scams in Norway?

Yes: bicycle theft, pickpocketing, theft of unattended belongings.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 112 for an emergency or immediate danger. For a non-emergency, call 02800 from within Norway. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and keep the report reference. Police in Bergen: the downtown police station is at Allehelgens gate 6, across from the old town hall. The listed non-emergency number is +47 55 55 63 00. Taxi company or booking app: use the company's customer service or the app's support option. Include the receipt, price quote, trip details and taxi licence number. For driver delays or false pickup locations, include screenshots and messages. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised or disputed charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Many consulates in Bergen are honorary and have limited services; your embassy in Oslo may be needed. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its claims service. Keep police references, receipts and proof of loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Norway?

Police and help reaching the correct rescue service: 112, Fire: 110, Emergency medical services: 113, Non-emergency police, within Norway only: 02800, Non-emergency medical care, within Norway only: 116117, Emergency services for people using a text telephone: 1412.

Reviewed by @snuck