Norwegian police have arrested two individuals in connection with a string of at least 20 burglaries targeting homes across southern Norway, including areas around Bergen, Ålesund, and Trondheim. The arrests, confirmed Thursday, follow a weeks-long investigation into the thefts – which have reportedly shaken local communities and resulted in the loss of valuables – and come after authorities sought public assistance in identifying the suspects. Forensic teams are currently investigating a property in Fantoft where the men are suspected of having recently resided.
Two men have been arrested in Stavanger, Norway, in connection with a string of burglaries across several cities, police confirmed Thursday afternoon.
The arrests mark a significant development in a case that has rattled communities and led to a widespread search for the suspects.
“We received assistance from the South-West Police District in connection with the arrests,” said prosecutor Øivind Rune Bjørkås.
According to Bjørkås, the two individuals are foreign nationals with no prior criminal record in Norway.
Police intend to question the suspects and seek a detention order later today.
– Virker normale
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Bergens Tidende first reported the news.
The newspaper reported that police suspect the burglars recently resided at an address in Fantoft.
On Friday, several forensic technicians are at the address, investigating what appears to be a basement apartment.
Wearing suits, masks, and flashlights, the technicians are meticulously searching the apartment for evidence.
Forensic technicians investigate an apartment in Fantoft.
Photo: ANDERS KJØLEN
Bergensavisen spoke with a resident of the house, who said the two men had rented the property through Airbnb and had been staying there for a week.
“He didn’t seem like a typical tourist. Something felt off,” she said. “He also had reviews on Airbnb from two other locations in Norway.”
The woman had not seen police photos of the men before Friday, but said she had met one of the suspects.
“I hadn’t seen them in the news, so I didn’t connect it until now.”
Millions in Stolen Goods
Police are investigating a total of 20 burglaries that have occurred from October to December.
Fourteen of those took place in southern Bergen, with the remaining incidents reported in Ålesund and Trondheim.
The two men arrested are currently only suspected of involvement in burglaries in Bergen and Ålesund, Bjørkås said.
The burglaries are believed to be connected due to a consistent method: exterior lights were disabled, and a window was cut to avoid triggering alarms.
The burglars used the same methods to enter the homes.
Photo: Police
Stolen items include valuables and cash, with the total value estimated to be in the millions of kroner, according to police in southern Bergen. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of burglary tactics.
Police released a description of the two suspects earlier this week, asking for the public’s help in identifying them.
The two men had been photographed at a shopping center in Ålesund and resembled individuals seen on surveillance footage in Bergen.
“We believe it is important to identify these individuals,” said investigation leader Arne Lid Skodje in Ålesund.
The men who were arrested are the same two who were wanted by police, according to Bergensavisen sources.
Tips from the public, following the release of the suspects’ images in the media, led to their location, police said Friday.
Investigation leader Caroline Lind Brudvik in Bergen stated that the case is a high priority for police in southern Bergen.
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Several Reportedly Saw the Two Suspects in Bergen: ‘They Seemed Uncomfortable’
Caused Fear in Neighborhoods
Bergensavisen has published several articles about the burglary wave.
The numerous incidents, which have largely occurred after dark, have shaken residents of Fana.
“I am terrified,” Evy Namtvedt (73) of Hopsåsen said earlier in December about the disturbing surge in burglaries.
One of the victims, Anne Karin Haarvei (79), had several irreplaceable items stolen, including her late husband’s wedding ring.
The bedroom of Anne Karin Haarvei (79) was ransacked after the burglary.
Photo: SKJALG EKELAND
