Police suspect Romanian group in ten Ilomantsi break-ins

Police suspect a group of 11 Romanians was behind ten break-ins in Ilomantsi, including five newly reported cases, Yle reports. The incidents targeted holiday homes and storage buildings and took place between September and October.

Investigators believe the new break-ins were very likely committed by the same group arrested earlier this month. Police say searches linked to the investigation uncovered a substantial amount of property suspected to be stolen, including power tools, outboard motors and saws.

Police are investigating all ten cases as theft. The lead investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Jari-Matti Korhonen, said police would discuss with a prosecutor whether the systematic nature of the activity could warrant a charge of aggravated theft. He said further break-ins may yet come to light.

The suspects are no longer in police custody, and some have been removed from Finland. All are adults and do not live permanently in the country. Before their arrests, they stayed in temporary accommodation near the centre of Ilomantsi for about two months. Korhonen described their activity as professional.

The seized property is being held at Joensuu police station. Owners can still ask about items by providing identifying details, but some belongings have not yet been matched with an owner.