Vantaa mayor addresses security concerns in Myyrmäki following rise in crime

In the early morning, the sounds of spray paint cans and passing trains dominate the scene as Vantaa’s Mayor, Pekka Timonen, ascends to the roof of a deteriorating parking garage. The area carries the lingering effects of the night, with local residents reporting that the parking structure near Myyrmäki Station is a hotspot not only for graffiti artists but also for drug users. Many interviewees expressed feelings of insecurity, particularly in the evening.

Alexanteri Lukov, a resident, noted, “There are places that don’t feel safe, especially around the rail line where drugs are used.” The mayor is aware of the area’s notorious reputation, mentioning that some locals jokingly refer to it as a “drug garage.” Recognizing the decay around him, he agrees improvements are necessary.

In response to the increasing unrest reported by local residents and confirmed by recent police statistics, the Vantaa police have launched intensified patrols in Myyrmäki. The area has seen a rise in crime and disturbances, especially near the railway. Police Superintendent Jussi Huhtela reported that disturbances are indeed on the rise but reassured the public by stating that Vantaa remains a generally safe city.

Myyrmäki has rapidly grown in population, with over half of its residents under 40. Mayor Timonen explained that the crime and disturbance could be partly attributed to the challenges of accommodating a diverse and youthful demographic. Additionally, he emphasized that social issues such as poverty and addiction contribute significantly to the area’s challenges.

To combat these issues, city planners have proposed new housing developments to enhance community stability and safety. Timonen believes that creating mixed-income neighborhoods may help address the root of the disturbances. Improvements in lighting and clearing of bushes are also planned to enhance safety around the station. The city is actively collecting data on residents’ feelings of security, aiming to make Myyrmäki a better place to live.