Half a dozen bag thefts in the city centre have been reported to the police in the past week reflecting a big rise in the problem compared to other years.

The pattern has been the same in all of them with shoulder bags being snatched by ‘young men.’ The thieves work even during broad daylight. Oulu police state that the number of bag snatches usually increases as summer approaches. 

‘A few dozen bag snatches are reported to Oulu police annually,’ says Criminal Inspector Tapani Tasanto.  ‘A typical bag snatcher is usually a young man in his twenties who has anti-social tendencies. Most cases are solved in the end; however, the thieves might be able to continue for a while.’ There are also pick-pockets known to be operating in Oulu. The police advise to avoid this problem is to use common sense. They suggest not to having your wallet in your back pocket, holding onto your bag in a crowd and never leaving your bag unattended, for example, in a restaurant. It is also worthwhile to keep information about your address, telephone number and name separate from your keys. 

According to Eeva Kavonen from Lähivakuutus insurance company, the number of stolen or missing mobile phones, wallets and handbags always increases in the summer. Restaurants and crowded events are the usual places where property goes missing. Kavonen reminds people to act quickly and report the incident to the police immediately. For instance replacing house or car keys can be not only costly but time consuming.

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