LAST NIGHT SAW A SIGNIFICANT UPTICK in criminal incidents across Helsinki, as is typical during New Year’s celebrations. The Helsinki Police estimated that they were called out to a total of 360 separate incidents across the city, with drunken revellers being the main cause of trouble.
Dozens of people are believed to have been arrested or cautioned for violent behaviour while under the influence of alcohol, with an unusually high number of assaults being recorded on Monday evening.
Injuries and arson caused by fireworks was also a major source of disruption, with police across Helsinki having to deal with fireworks being deliberately fired at residential buildings, people, animals, and vehicles.
A number of fireworks-related injuries were also recorded across Finland last night, with two people in Helsinki having been admitted to hospital for “serious” eye injuries sustained from fireworks.
Individuals in Oulu and Tampere are also receiving treatment for injuries sustained while using fireworks without the aid of safety goggles.
Despite these incidents, last night was also one of the safest New Year’s celebrations on record, at least when it comes to fireworks injuries. Improved public safety campaigns have been credited with bringing the level of accidents and injuries down to its lowest level in years.
Adam Oliver Smith – HT
Image: Lehtikuva
