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Police in Helsinki have reported a rise in incidents involving professional pickpocket groups operating across Europe and now increasingly present in Finland.
According to Detective Chief Inspector Mikko Minkkinen, these groups, often composed of a few individuals, move quickly from country to country and remain in Finland only for short periods. He said the suspects are mostly foreign nationals who fly in, operate for a few weeks, then leave.
“They are typically small groups flying across Europe,” Minkkinen told Helsingin Sanomat.
Earlier this week, a team of three pickpockets stole two passports and a wallet from a woman’s backpack in central Helsinki. The incident, witnessed by local media, reflects a broader trend police have observed: the number of such crimes has grown rapidly.
Pickpocketing in Finland is often conducted discreetly. Common targets include areas heavily trafficked by tourists, such as popular churches and monuments. Minkkinen noted that tourists are particularly vulnerable because they frequently carry larger amounts of cash and important travel documents.
Passports are a prime target. “Tourists often carry valuables that are of high interest to professional thieves,” said Minkkinen.
He explained that items are usually taken from locations out of a victim’s line of sight, like backpacks or jacket side pockets. “The best defence is prevention,” he advised. “Close your backpack securely and wear it on the front in crowded places. Inner jacket pockets are also safer.”
Minkkinen reminded the public that Finnish law allows anyone to detain a suspect caught in the act of committing a crime that may lead to imprisonment, such as petty theft. But he urged caution.
“I don’t recommend rushing in,” he said. “People should assess their own strength and whether more than one suspect is involved. The law doesn’t grant special rights to use force – grabbing someone by the arm is permitted, but shouting to scare them off can be just as effective.”
In many cases, victims do not recover stolen property. If police cannot catch the suspect immediately, the chances of retrieving items are low. Travel insurance may offer compensation, and those who lose a passport are advised to contact their national embassy.
The Finnish police have not disclosed specific numbers, but described the increase in professional pickpocket activity as significant.
Helsinki’s growing tourism industry has made it a more attractive target. Authorities urge visitors and residents to remain alert, secure belongings, and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
