The early summer and warm weather have not only many tourists but also criminals determined to make the most of the tourist flows to Helsinki.
On Monday, 29 May, a foreign tourist was tricked out a substantial amount of cash by criminals who pretended to be police officers. The incident began with a man approaching the tourist and asking for directions. The tourist said they could not help as they were only a visitor to Helsinki.
The tourist was soon accosted by two other men who said they were police officers and displayed a badge that resembled a police ID. They said counterfeit money and drugs were circulating in the area and demanded to see the cash in the tourist’s possession.
The tourists ask to see the badge again, but the men refused. The men who purported to be police officers examined the money, gave it back and disappeared quickly. The tourist soon realised that EUR 500 and USD 300 were missing.
- This is rather typical of the way swindlers operate. Tourists from countries that may not have much knowledge of Finnish authorities and the way they operate are usually selected as victims. As a rule, the swindlers using this method represent so-called itinerant crime from abroad, says Detective Inspector Markku Silén.
The police reminds people to be particular alert and careful of their possessions, especially in summer when large numbers of people are out and about in the city, on public transport and at different events. Swindlers employ many tactics for accosting, approaching and distracting their victims. Whenever possible, you should keep your wallet and mobile phone in a zipped pocket, and cover the keypad with your hand when you enter your PIN at a cash point or payment terminal.
The number of so-called breakfast thieves at hotels also goes up when the summer comes. You should not leave your possessions unattended in public places with many people around.
Helsinki Police Department works in close cooperation with such stakeholders as the City of Helsinki, Helsinki Regional Transport, traders at market stalls and other private sector actors to prevent pickpocketing. Where possible, an attempt is made to remind tourists arriving in Helsinki about protecting their property and to inform them of what to do in case of a theft.
