Young people repeatedly harass residents across eastern Uusimaa

Dozens of children and teenagers have harassed residents in towns and municipalities across eastern Uusimaa, with police receiving several reports each week, Yle reports.

The reported behaviour includes throwing eggs, ringing doorbells, kicking doors, frightening pets, damaging property and setting off fireworks in people’s yards. Windows and mailboxes have been broken, and plantings damaged.

The young people usually act after dark and wear hoods, police said. The incidents involve teenagers from different neighbourhoods, rather than a single group. Police have received dozens of reports of disturbances to domestic peace, though not every report has led to a criminal complaint.

In some cases, the harassment has worsened after adults intervened. “If people have become angry and intervened, the young people have singled out that house and harassed it even more,” said Kaisamaria Holappa of the Eastern Uusimaa Police Department.

Police are particularly concerned about incidents that continue for a long time or target one home. Holappa said some of the most distressing cases have involved elderly residents who are afraid, or families with small children who worry about letting them play outside or walk to school. Setting off fireworks also carries a risk of fire.

Some teenagers have seen the behaviour as harmless fun among friends and failed to understand its impact, police said. Officers have asked them to consider how they would feel if they were afraid in their own homes.

Police have identified some of those involved and have spoken with them and their guardians at home. Officers do not speak with young people without at least informing their guardians, who are encouraged to take part. Some parents have been surprised by what their children have been doing in the evenings. Some young people have apologised and reached agreements with residents.

Police have also contacted schools when incidents affect their surroundings and asked them to inform guardians through Wilma, a school communications system.

Children under 15 cannot be held criminally responsible, but they can still be liable for compensation for damage they cause. Cases involving young people aged 15 or older proceed as criminal investigations, most commonly for violating domestic peace or damaging property. Police must also file a child welfare notification for anyone under 18 who commits an offence.