Traditional juvenile crime declines in 15 years in Helsinki region
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The character of crimes committed by juveniles in the Helsinki region has changed in the past 15 years. Traditional crimes such as shoplifting are committed less frequently, while crimes linked with electronic communications have increased.
According to a study by the National Research Institute of Legal Policy, pupils in the upper grades of comprehensive school in Helsinki commit fewer traditional crimes than those of the same age did in the early 1990s.
Shoplifting has gone down by nearly half, says researcher Venla Salmi, attributing the trend to more vigilant enforcement, and to changes in young people’s attitudes and ways of spending time.
Underage consumption of alcohol is very common. Shoplifting, fighting, and vandalism are common, although they have declined since 1992.
Major theft and serious violence are rare.
The researchers conclude that as youth activities, hobbies and consumption increasingly shifts from public places to the virtual world, criminal activities are also likely to find new outlets.
Many of those in the upper levels of comprehensive school have copied music or films on file-sharing networks, and passed files on to others. Boys are clearly ahead of girls in this.
On the other hand, girls are more likely than boys to send abusive e-mails or SMS messages. Girls are also more frequently the victims of electronic harassment.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 14.2.2007 - TODAY |
 Traditional juvenile crime declines in 15 years in Helsinki region
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