Serious firearms offences rise sharply in Finland

Police recorded more than 300 aggravated firearms offences in Finland by the end of August this year, compared with 120 for all of last year, Yle reports, citing figures from the National Police Board published by Uutissuomalainen.

A police inspector told Uutissuomalainen that violent and drug-related crimes have become more serious each year, and criminals are increasingly carrying weapons.

New firearms legislation that came into force at the start of the year has increased penalties. An aggravated firearms offence now carries a minimum prison sentence of two years.

Under the reform, carrying a firearm in a public place or vehicle without the legal right to possess it is also enough to constitute an aggravated offence. The changes are intended to reduce firearms offences and crimes committed with guns.