Police tape at night in Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA
- Next Article Healthcare sector faces worker shortage but insists on professional skills and language proficiency
Public violence in Finland’s cities is on the rise, with Vantaa and Turku identified as the least safe based on a new police report. The findings are part of the “disturbance index,” which measures crime and emergency incidents in public spaces across the country’s ten largest cities.
Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki revealed that nearly half of all serious public violent crimes in Finland occurred in the Uusimaa region in 2024, with Vantaa and Helsinki standing out.
“Vantaa’s demographic profile includes higher-risk individuals more likely to engage in crime,” Koskimäki explained during a press briefing.
The data also highlights a growing share of youth involvement in serious violent crimes. Approximately one-third of suspects in such cases were minors, with most being between the ages of 17 and 19.
Koskimäki attributed this trend to weakened parental oversight and socioeconomic issues. “It’s not about blaming parents, but many cases involve families dealing with significant challenges, such as substance abuse,” he noted.
Drugs were frequently linked to violent incidents, which typically occurred in city centres during weekend nights.
Public spaces are becoming a more common setting for violent crime. In 2015, just over a third of Finland’s serious violent crimes happened in public. By 2024, that figure had risen to nearly 50%.
Koskimäki acknowledged the uptick but reassured the public: “It remains extremely rare in Finland to become a victim of crime by a stranger.”
The increase in violent crime has prompted calls for enhanced crime prevention measures, including better surveillance and community policing.
Koskimäki advocated for expanding urban surveillance camera networks, citing Kerava as an example where increased monitoring significantly reduced violence.
He also urged for the expansion of police programs in schools. “Engaging with youth early is critical. It’s important to hold offenders accountable quickly and visibly,” Koskimäki said.
The use of bladed weapons in violent incidents has risen, prompting calls for stricter penalties for illegal possession. The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing related legislation.
The disturbance index evaluated cities based on reported violent crimes, vandalism, and emergency responses per capita. Vantaa and Turku scored the highest, indicating the least safety, followed by Helsinki.
In contrast, Kuopio, Pori, and Espoo were found to be the safest among Finland’s ten largest cities.
Recent violent episodes have brought attention to public safety. In December, a high-profile attack in Helsinki’s Kaisaniemi Park left MP Krista Kiuru injured. Her assailant, with a history of violent crimes, is under investigation.
In Espoo’s Suvela district, another high-profile act of violence last year heightened calls for preventive measures in public spaces.
HT
- Next Article Healthcare sector faces worker shortage but insists on professional skills and language proficiency
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
