Steep rise in attic and cellar burglaries in Helsinki last year
Police Department report also warns of dangers of excess drinking
The Helsinki Police's annual report reveals that attic and cellar burglaries are on the increase and that people should take steps to guard against them.
Late-night crimes, such as assault and battery, are also on the rise, and police say they almost invariably relate to excess consumption of alcohol.
Illegal taxi rides represent other kinds of dangers for nighthawks. They may sometimes result in the customer losing his bankcard and consequently money from his account, as the perpetrator empties it at an ATM.
Of damage caused to public property, the report mentions graffiti.
After a long downward trend, offences that fall under the criminal law jurisdiction have turned to a slight increase.
In 2003, 80,316 such offences were recorded. Last year's figure was 81,705.
Crimes against property are still going down, whereas assaults and muggings are on the rise.
Drunks and troublemakers also caused the police more grief than in the year before.
Last year some 2,400 cellar and attic burglaries were reported to the police. The corresponding figure from the year before was only 1,800, showing a sharp leap upwards.
Common items stolen from cellar and attic storages include clothes, sports and camping equipment, and - of course - bicycles.
Advances in anti-theft and immobiliser technologies have reduced the unauthorized use of vehicles and the number of car thefts.
In 2004, just under 4,300 assault and battery cases were reported to the police. This translates to an increase of around 100 cases from the previous year. Assaults increased mainly in public areas.
Twenty percent more drunk drivers were caught in Helsinki than the year before. The total number of 2,500 drivers whose blood alcohol was over the limit is attributable mainly to intensified surveillance.
Helsingin Sanomat
