The prevention and solving of domestic burglaries require extensive co-operation between police and citizens: key factors are the protection of housing and the reporting of observations to the Police.
The Police engage in collaboration also on the international level with various interests and parties.
On Wednesday, 19 June, the European Crime Prevention Network will host, for the first time, a pan-European domestic burglary prevention theme day. The goal is to prevent domestic burglaries in advance by warning citizens and by publicising the means by which crimes can be proactively prevented.
Cross-border crime is a challenge
In Finland, a total of 2,246 domestic burglaries were reported to the Police in 2018. During the current year, the number of such reports concerning domestic burglaries totalled 723 by the end of May. By reference to the same period the year before, these figures have slightly declined (-41).
‘Cross-border itinerant crime is a big challenge. Last year the Police solved 633 domestic burglaries in which the suspect or suspects were foreigners. Comparably, the suspect or suspects in 795 cases were Finnish in nationality. This year the number of foreigners has dropped, and that of Finns has accordingly increased,’ Chief Superintendent Jyrki Aho from the National Police Board relates.
According to Jyrki Aho, at this stage of the year it is futile to forecast the continuation of this decline, because conversely figures are rising in part of Finland. One active burglar or criminal gang that has crossed the border may make the figures soar like a rocket.
Mr Aho is of the view that it is good for everyone to know the risks associated with domestic burglaries. Also in this connection, prevention in advance is the best tool to thwart or at least make criminal activity more difficult. It is also worthwhile to report all observations to the Police.
A domestic burglary violates the protection and privacy of one’s home
A domestic burglary always violates the protection and privacy of one’s home.
‘Luckily the Police have stakeholder partners as their aid, both nationally and regionally. For example, Victim Support Finland supports the victims of crime and their family members as well as criminal case witnesses. The Police request permission from the victims of crimes for permission to distribute their knowledge to interests needing assistance. Everyone who needs help can boldly get in touch on a personal level with a party providing aid, of course,’ Mr Aho points out.
How then can domestic burglaries be prevented?
Protect your home as effectively as possible. Good methods include:
1. Neighbourly help, i.e. tell your neighbour if you are going to be away and arrange for supervision of your residence.
2. Keep your home looking lived-in if you are away for a longer period.
3. Successful lock operation is important (rear locking and security locks) Back door locking should also be in good condition.
4. Lighting during twilight and periods of darkness.
5. Alarm systems, cameras and signs warning about them affect criminals’ selection of target.
6. Take open windows and doors into account, because they enable rapid intrusions. Such intrusion can happen even if family members are at home or in the back yard.
7. Do not publicly announce your holidays and departures in social media: this may be of advantage to criminals.
Report suspicious visitors to the Police
According to Mr Aho, it is also very important that we keep our eyes open and pay attention to suspicious individuals.
‘Even if criminals try to blend in with their active surroundings, they may arouse attention by monitoring suitable targets.
If a crime seems possible or likely, call the Emergency Response Centre at 112.
For matters that are not acute or urgent, you can provide a tip via the Internet. Instructions and contact information: www.poliisi.fi
Watch the Police video on protecting your home against domestic burglaries https://youtu.be/kkYcJo525CM (in Finnish)
