Police in Southwest Finland seize bladed weapons daily

Police in Southwest Finland seize at least one bladed weapon every day, and some people even arrive at police stations carrying knives, Yle reports.

A reform to weapons offence laws that took effect at the start of 2026 has made authorities significantly stricter about carrying a bladed weapon in a public place without an acceptable reason. Possessing a bladed weapon or another object suitable for causing serious injury in a public place no longer results only in an on-the-spot fine. As a rule, each case is referred to a prosecutor to consider charges.

Police say the change is clearly reflected in their investigations, with cases involving the unjustified possession of bladed weapons now a regular part of their work. Officers encounter knives in many situations, including when dealing with intoxicated people or people causing a disturbance.

Several weapons have been confiscated from people arriving at police stations. “Surprisingly many people even come to a police station carrying a knife. This partly shows that people may not understand how serious this is,” said Karri Laakso, a senior criminal investigator with Southwest Finland Police.

The reform also increased the maximum penalties. Possession of a dangerous object can carry a prison sentence of up to two years, while possession of other objects suitable for harming others can carry up to one year in prison. The changes aim to reduce weapons offences and crimes committed with weapons.