Surge in youth violence reported in Southwest Finland with 489 offenses recorded this year

Crimes committed by individuals under 15 have surged dramatically in Southwest Finland. This year, there have already been 489 violent offenses reported to the police involving this age group, averaging 60 incidents per month. This marks an increase of over 29 percent compared to the previous year. The data encompasses all violent crimes, including assaults, robberies, homicides, and attempted homicides, regardless of whether they occurred in public spaces.

“The situation is serious. On average, we receive two reports each day of violent acts committed by individuals under 15. We must enhance our comprehensive efforts to prevent crimes committed by children and young people,” stated Police Chief Risto Lammi. He clarified that youth violence occurs throughout the entire Southwest Finland region, in both large and small municipalities, often without the presence of established criminal groups.

On a positive note, violent crimes committed by those aged 15 to 17 and 18 to 20 have decreased compared to last year. Overall crime rates in public spaces have also declined in Southwest Finland. According to a police report, fewer assaults, robberies, and acts of vandalism were recorded in public areas by the end of August compared to the previous year.

In particular, the city of Pori has seen a significant reduction in crime, with a 31 percent decrease in assaults, an 11 percent drop in robberies, and a 26 percent decline in vandalism between January and August this year compared to the same period last year. In Turku, the decrease has been more modest, with an 11 percent decline in public assaults while the number of robberies has remained stable compared to last year. Overall, violent crimes in public spaces across the police department’s jurisdiction have decreased by 14 percent for assaults, 6 percent for robberies, and 13 percent for vandalism this year compared to last.