Safety and crime rates in Finland: low crime rates overall. strong police presence. high trust in law enforcement. safe for tourists. minimal violent crime. petty theft in urban areas. effective crime prevention programs. secure public transportation. community-oriented policing. strict alcohol regulations.
low crime rates overall
Finland is characterized by low crime rates, with an overall crime rate of 85.54 per 1,000 population in 2022. Notably, there has been a declining trend in crimes against life since the 1990s, even though thefts and traffic offenses have seen an increase. To explore more detailed statistics, you can visit the Crime in Finland section on the Statista website, which provides comprehensive insights into these patterns and more.
strong police presence
In Finland, a strong police presence is maintained, with high public trust in the police; 91% of Finns trust the police, and the police are successful in performing key duties such as emergency response, prevention, and investigation of violent crime. This contributes to a generally safe society with decreasing crime rates over the long term, as noted in the comprehensive overview on Crime In Finland. The country's focus on community trust and effective policing strategies underscores its commitment to maintaining public safety.
high trust in law enforcement
In Finland, there is a high level of trust in the police, with 91% of respondents trusting the police a lot or a fair amount, reflecting the police's success in performing key duties such as emergency response and crime investigation.
safe for tourists
Finland is exceptionally safe for tourists, boasting low crime rates, a strong social welfare system, and efficient law enforcement, making it one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. For more detailed information, you can visit Traveler Bibles to learn more about the safety and security measures in place for visitors.
minimal violent crime
Finland is characterized by low levels of violent crime, with a decreasing trend in crimes against life since the 1990s. In 2022, the number of negligent homicide victims was 89, and overall, Finland's homicide rates are lower than in Russia or the Baltic States but slightly higher than in other Nordic countries. To explore more about these trends, visit the Crime in Finland section on Statista for detailed statistics and analyses.
petty theft in urban areas
Petty theft, particularly bicycle thefts, is more common in urban environments in Finland, with the Uusimaa region having a significantly higher prevalence of theft offences compared to other areas. In recent years, theft offences decreased by almost eight percent from the previous year, but they remain a notable issue in urban settings. For more information, you can visit the Crime in Finland section on the official Intermin website.
effective crime prevention programs
The Finnish Government's "Working Together for Safer and More Secure Communities" program, adopted in 2016, emphasizes enhancing local crime prevention through collaboration among public authorities, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and citizens. This comprehensive initiative includes numerous measures to bolster crime prevention expertise, foster citizen participation, and seamlessly incorporate crime prevention into municipal plans and welfare work. For more detailed insights into this strategy, the Finnish Crime Prevention Strategy is available on the European Crime Prevention Network's official website.
secure public transportation
Finland's public transportation and road safety are characterized by commendable features such as low road fatalities and a strong enforcement of traffic laws. With a rate of 43 road fatalities per million inhabitants in 2021, Finland demonstrates a commitment to safety through measures like lower speed limits and the widespread use of automatic speed cameras. Additionally, the country boasts a high rate of seatbelt usage and a notably low incidence of self-reported drink-driving, both of which significantly contribute to the overall safety of public transit. For more detailed insights, you can explore the Country Overview provided by the European Commission.
community-oriented policing
In Finland, community-oriented policing is implemented through the Preventive Policing Unit of the Helsinki Police Department, which focuses on building trust between police and citizens, especially in ethnic minority and socially disadvantaged communities, to prevent polarisation and increase social cohesion. This approach involves multi-professional teams, community engagement, and cooperation with social workers and other stakeholders to address issues like radicalisation, youth crime, and honour-based violence. For more information about this initiative, you can visit the Radicalisation Awareness Network website.
strict alcohol regulations
Finland's strict alcohol regulations, including the monopoly held by Alko, are associated with lower alcohol consumption and related harms. Adopting policies similar to those in neighboring Sweden, such as maintaining a monopoly on retail sales of alcohol above 3.5% ABV, is estimated to reduce alcohol-attributable deaths, hospitalizations, and economic costs significantly.