Vandalism ravages Seinäjoki buildings awaiting demolition

Vandalism has severely damaged a former health care college in Seinäjoki, where around 40 buildings are waiting to be demolished, Yle reports. The city says unauthorised entry is a crime and is urging parents to warn children and teenagers about the dangers.

The empty college building has been targeted for years. Its walls are covered in graffiti, furniture has been smashed or thrown through windows, and almost everything that could be broken has been destroyed. The college emptied in 2018 when teaching moved to the expanded Kampustalo, and the city later bought the old building and its plot.

City maintenance services supervisor Miika Vainionpää said preventing vandalism at the large building is difficult. Guards make rounds, but its 10,000 square metres are hard to monitor comprehensively. The electricity has been disconnected, so cameras cannot be installed.

Ostrobothnia Police detective chief inspector Kati-Susanna Lukkarinen said police receive many reports of trespassing and vandalism. Recent reports from South Ostrobothnia have stood out, though complaints also come from the Vaasa and Kokkola regions.

Entering an empty building without permission is not allowed, even if a door is open. That also applies to urban exploration, an activity in which enthusiasts say they only observe and photograph buildings. Vainionpää said empty buildings still belong to someone and visitors must ask permission.

The city reports trespassers and vandalism to police whenever possible. Lukkarinen said damage can have long-term consequences. People under 15 can be held liable for compensation even though they are below the age of criminal responsibility. A conviction can also result in a criminal record entry and potentially make it harder to find work.

The former college received a demolition permit in June 2023, but it expired this June because work had not begun within three years. City architect Jussi Aittoniemi said a new detailed plan for the plot allows for housing, but the timing has not been suitable for selling the land. The city plans to seek new demolition permits for two large properties over the winter.

Demolition depends on funding, and the estimated cost for the former college is several hundred thousand euros. Asbestos work and sorting demolition materials add to the expense. The city has recently demolished several smaller properties, including detached houses.

The Kärki school, which has been mostly empty for nearly two years, is also awaiting demolition and has experienced vandalism. The city says it has filed police reports about damage there and is asking families to discuss with children and teenagers why they must not enter empty buildings.