The number of crimes reported to the Helsinki Police and emergency centres has continued to rise this year, said police in a press release on Monday.
Emergency call-outs have increased by about five percent this year compared to the same period last year, and the number of criminal offenses by about seven percent.
Police, however, said that despite the increase in the number of assignments, the Helsinki Police have been able to streamline criminal investigations and police arrive at category A assignments in an average of 4.9 minutes, while the target time is five minutes.
In recent months, several robberies, assaults and other suspected violent offences committed by young people, said the press release, adding that the Helsinki Police are concerned about the growing seriousness of the crimes perpetrated by young people and the increasingly brutal nature of the violence.
“Although most young people are still doing well, a small group has fallen into a cycle of serious crime. Particularly among 15- to 17-year-olds, it is evident that young people are often on the run from home when they commit crimes. The police have repeatedly expressed concern that the risk of runaway youths turning to crime or becoming victims of crime is significantly high,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Jari Illukka in the press release.
In early April, a car shelter and eight cars were set on fire by a block of flats in Roihuvuori. Three minors with prior criminal records are suspected of aggravated criminal damage.
The police prioritise cases in which a minor is either the suspect or the victim. The police aim to identify patterns of criminal behaviour among young people and intervene with effective criminal procedures and, if necessary, coercive measures.
Every year, the police receive a large number of reports of crimes in which all the suspects are under the age of 15. Every report filed with the police undergoes a preliminary investigation, and the police determine which pre-trial investigation measures are necessary.
The police also investigate crimes committed by suspects under the age of 15 and file child welfare notifications when children are suspected of criminal offences.
“A pre-trial investigation is conducted when necessary in these cases. For example, it may be necessary to recover stolen property, ensure that the victim of a crime has the right to compensation, or determine the need for child welfare measures for the suspect or other matters related to the suspect’s interests. If even one of the suspects is aged 15 or more, a pre-trial investigation is conducted in the normal way,” said Detective Chief Inspector Marja Väätti, who heads the Ankkuri team at the Helsinki Police Department.
The police cannot use coercive measures that restrict the liberty of anyone under the age of 15. A person under the age of 15 can only be obligated to be present during a pre-trial investigation for up to 24 hours for very weighty reasons.
“In the police’s view, it would be beneficial to be able to hold suspects under the age of 15 in custody for longer periods when serious crimes are suspected,” said Väätti.
At the Helsinki Police Department, the multi-disciplinary Ankkuri team oversees all criminal cases involving people under the age of 15. Ankkuri is primarily a tool for early intervention intended to address emerging problems at an early stage and prevent them from escalating. Participation in Ankkuri activities is voluntary.
“However, we have had cases involving children whom we are unable to get through to, for some reason. The police may have filed several child welfare notifications, but the child cannot break out of the cycle of crime. The police have very limited means of intervention when crimes are committed by under-15s. The police keep in active contact with the child welfare services to ensure they remain aware of the latest developments in the child’s situation,” Väätti added.
Police also took measures to ensure May Day celebrations that will take place this weekend.
“Parents and guardians should check their children’s backpacks before they go out and party. Bladed weapons and fireworks should not be brought to celebrations. In addition, minors should not have alcohol or other intoxicants in their possession. Unfortunately, setting off fireworks has become much more common in recent years, and they have led to serious incidents, including explosions in crowded areas,” said Hanna Kiiskinen, Chief Inspector and Head of the Helsinki Police Department’s enforcement unit.
