Immigrants in Oulu express growing safety concerns despite stable hate crime statistics

Immigrant communities in the northern Finnish city of Oulu are increasingly sharing information about which areas are safe to move in, though police report no rise in hate crimes, public broadcaster Yle reports.

Recent violent incidents targeting foreigners—including two attacks in Oulu and a stabbing in Valkea last summer—have heightened fears among immigrant groups, according to Holly Conolly, chair of Oulu’s Immigrant Council. “It’s heartbreaking that people even have to consider whether it’s safe for their children to walk to school alone,” Conolly said. Social media groups now circulate advice on which parts of the city to avoid.

Police data, however, shows no increase in hate crimes against foreigners. Markus Kiiskinen, head of Oulu Police’s crime prevention unit, noted that while annual hate crime reports in the city typically range between 50 and 80, the majority are racially motivated. A spike to over 100 cases occurred in 2023 following the Valkea shopping centre stabbing, but numbers have since returned to usual levels. “Statistically, there’s always minor fluctuation, but the facts remain: hate-motivated crimes are rare here,” Kiiskinen said.

Distrust toward police persists within immigrant communities, with Conolly estimating that only about 20 percent of hate crime victims file reports. Many fear their concerns are not taken seriously. To rebuild trust, Conolly called for increased police patrols in the city centre, community dialogues, and clearer demonstrations of protection for minority groups. “People of colour are deeply worried. Restoring their sense of safety won’t happen overnight,” she said.

Police have not confirmed whether the latest violent incidents involved hate motives, as investigations remain ongoing. Oulu opened Finland’s first anti-racism support centre last November to address such concerns.