The number of shoplifting incidents recorded by the Finnish police has increased by roughly 10% over the period from January through September.
According to researchers, the underlying reason behind the growing figures is the current economic crisis.
The Federation of Finnish Commerce ascribes the increase in thefts partly to the fact that unpaid petty fines handed out by police can no longer be converted into imprisonment. The practice was changed a year ago.
According to the Federation, the change has led to a situation where habitual offenders no longer care if they are caught.
The Federation also says that another factor causing an increase in the theft statistics is the presence of foreign professional thieves.
