Students feel unsafe after reports of suspicious man lurking around at Fantoft

Students living in the Fantoft student housing complex have experienced growing unease in recent months following multiple reports of a man exhibiting suspicious and disturbing behavior around the area. Several tenants have shared unsettling encounters involving a man in a car, and one student even reported an attempted break-in at her apartment.

Growing Concern at Fantoft

The situation first came to light through a series of messages in the popular Fantoft group chat. Alerts such as «The creep with the car was in front of G block» and «The car was just by the service center, be careful!» appeared repeatedly. Soon, the mysterious figure known as the «Fantoft Phantom» became a common topic among residents, stirring fears of voyeurism or worse.

Two students, who wish to remain anonymous and have been given fictitious names, have now come forward to share their personal experiences. 

The Man in the Car

«Lara», one of the students, recounts an incident in late October when she and her friends were baking gingerbread houses. They noticed a car parked outside her window, and upon closer inspection, saw a man inside engaging in sexual acts while staring into the apartment. When confronted by their gaze, the man turned off his lights and continued instead of leaving.

– We were all a bit shocked and unsure what to do next, «Lara» remembers.

«Lara» and her friends decide to immediately call the police, but the nearest patrol arrived 15 minutes later – by then, the man had disappeared.

– It was scary because we didn’t know what to do. It was simply disgusting. I felt helpless, «Lara» remembers.

And the shock of the situation leaves a lingering bitterness for her:

– When it was all over, I was still very upset. I was glad to be away for the weekend, she says.

Attempted Break-In and Ongoing Fear

But she’s not the only one whose world has been ruptured by an unwelcome stranger.

Another student, «Emma», shares a similarly alarming encounter from last year. She found a stranger in the shared kitchen claiming to be a former resident looking for food. When he approached her in a threatening manner, she locked herself in her room. Shortly after, the man tried to forcibly enter her apartment by attempting to break the door frame. «Emma» contacted both Sammen and the police, and the man was subsequently arrested.

A year later, «Emma» saw a person resembling the same man lurking in the woods behind Fantoft.

– I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already out again, «Emma» says.

Speculation and Student Reactions

The man is often seen driving the same car, leading to speculation among students that he might be a delivery driver. However, students express frustration that this could be used to downplay the seriousness of the incidents.

– I don’t really think his job had anything to do with it. You can work as a delivery driver and still behave inappropriately, «Emma» says.

«Lara» worries that doubts about the victims’ credibility could grow if people dismiss the incidents as harmless delivery runs.

– I hope students here can at least support each other instead of dismissing what’s happening, she says.

Lasting Impact

Both «Lara» and «Emma» say the experiences have continued to affect how safe they feel.

– It definitely changes your behaviour. Now, whenever a car passes my window, I always check what kind of car it is – no matter the time of day. As soon as I get home, I close my blinds, «Lara» says.

After the attempted break-in, «Emma» was afraid to even step out of her room. Talking to friends, family and a therapist eventually helped her move past that fear, but now, that feeling has returned.

«Lara» and «Emma» both wish Sammen would send out an email warning residents about the reported incidents.

– I also think it’s crazy that Sammen isn’t really doing much about it, «Emma» says.

Strengthening security

After inquiries from Studvest, Christina Eikeland, at Sammen, confirmed that the organization has received several reports about the individual since 20th September.

In response, Sammen has introduced extra evening security patrols between 19:00 and 20:00 over the past few weeks. The measures are set to continue for another two weeks before being re-evaluated. So far, security personnel have not encountered the reported man.

– We fully understand that his behavior is disturbing and absolutely not something we want near our housing facilities, Eikeland says. 

– That’s why we emphasize the importance of contacting the police immediately if he is seen.

Police investigating two incidents at Fantoft student housing

The police have registered two incidents related to reports of a man behaving suspiciously near Fantoft Student Village since September.

The first incident was reported on September 20th, when a man was seen looking into windows at the student housing. According to the police, this had happened several times over the previous weeks, and the man was linked to a specific vehicle. He allegedly masturbated inside his car during earlier incidents. The police received a license plate number but were unable to make contact with the owner during that patrol.

The second incident occurred on October 30th, when several residents recognized both the man and his vehicle. A video of the incident was submitted to the police, but it did not provide enough evidence to confirm a criminal act.

– We have identified a male suspect in the case. He has not yet been questioned, as other cases have been prioritized, says Ronny Andre Øvrebotten, at Bergen South Police Station.

A criminal case was opened on October 30th, but the status of the case is that it is still under review by the Joint Criminal Case Intake Unit (Felles straffesaksmottak), and has not yet been assigned to a police station for investigation, Øvrebrotten informs.

– Police patrols are aware of the situation, but there has been no need for special measures, Øvrebotten explains. 

– Fantoft Student Village has many residents from all over the world, living close together. Given the number of residents and the low frequency of reported incidents, it remains a safe place to live. Good communication among residents is also an effective way to prevent crime, he adds. 

He emphasizes that residents should report anything suspicious right away.

– It’s important to be alert and contact the police if you experience anything uncomfortable, Øvrebotten says.

The sources in this article have chosen to remain anonymous to protect their privacy and personal safety. Given the sensitive nature of the incidents and the ongoing fear among students, anonymity helps ensure they can speak openly without fear of retaliation or further distress.