Denmark will double punishments for crimes committed in ghetto trouble spots under new proposals.

So-called 'special punishment zones' will be set up by police in underprivileged areas to crackdown on crimes such as theft, vandalism and threatening behaviour.

This could see more severe punishments for certain offences committed in those areas, according to Justice Minister Søren Pape Poulsen said.

Denmark will double punishments for crimes committed in certain parts of ghettos in the country, under new proposals (file picture)

He told newspaper Berlingske that criminality that contributed to 'parallel societies' would be targeted by the new scheme.

Poulsen said: 'Vandalism, theft or threats could be the reason [for harsher punishments]. That means the hammer will fall extra hard in those areas.'

He said that local police would decide on which areas would be subject to the harsher punishment rule.

However, it is not yet clear exactly what crimes would result in double punishments. This will be determined at a later date, Berlingske reports.

According to The Local Denmark, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced plans in his New Year's Speech to make efforts to reduce crime and social inequality in Denmark's ghettos.

But Birgitte Arent Eiriksson, legal advisor with thinktank Justitia, warned: 'Where there is rule of law, it is very, very important that everyone is equal before the law.

'But I find it difficult to see how that could be the case with this proposal.'