Tapiola jewel robbery suspects previously known to police; much of haul recovered

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The men arrested after Wednesday’s armed robbery in the Tapiola suburb of Espoo are known to the police. At least the man suspected of having committed the actual heist has a criminal background, one that extends even to robberies.
      According to Detective Chief Inspector Sakari Juurikkala, the man can be characterized as a habitual criminal.
     
The value of the haul taken in the raid has been determined to be as high as EUR 400,000 to 500,000. It is not clear yet if all of the stolen goods have been recovered already.
      The robbers had tried to hide the haul in many places, both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, the police suspect that the pistol found in their possession on Wednesday evening is the same weapon as was used in the jewellery robbery in the morning.
      According to the police, the men in custody have a foreign background, but they have lived in Finland for a considerable time and speak fluent Finnish. One of them is a Finnish citizen. The police are not willing to reveal their native country, but confirmed that they are not Russian.
     
Currently, the police are investigating whether the other man was just assisting the main perpetrator. It is also unclear whether other persons were involved in the crime or not.
      The arrests took place on Wednesday evening in Kirstinmäki, a residential area of Espoo, close to Espoon Keskus. The men attempted to run from approaching police officers, but did not otherwise resist arrest.
      They are being held in police cells in Espoo. A decision on whether they should be remanded in custody must be made by Saturday.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Armed man holds up jewellery store in Espoo - police apprehend two suspects (16.9.2004)

Helsingin Sanomat