Residents in Helsinki's Kallio and Taka-Töölö districts are demanding urgent action against rising drug-related crime. Concerns include balcony-climbing thieves, violence, and drug paraphernalia found in playgrounds.
Six official letters sent to city authorities between early June and early October describe the situation as "acute," "serious," and "unbearable." Five letters focus on Kallio, while one addresses Taka-Töölö.
Residents report bystanders experiencing violence or threats. One letter states physical integrity has been violated, while another mentions serious violence and robberies targeting local entrepreneurs.
Children's school routes and daily movements no longer feel safe, according to housing company chairman Markus Lindqvist. Some residents have already moved away due to drug users.
Vandalism, break-ins, and thefts are common. Drugs are sold and used openly, with needles discovered in yards and playgrounds.
Residents' desperate cry must now be heard, states a position paper from Töölö Association. Property crimes cost some housing companies approximately €10,000 annually.
Building communities have tried various solutions. Some removed exterior door handles to deter forced entry. Others abandoned door codes because new codes spread to outsiders within a week.
Daily patrols occur in some stairwells, basements, and yards. Security cameras have been installed in several buildings.
The affected housing companies are located on Franzéninkatu, Adolfinkatu, Harjutorinkatu, Pengerkatu, Harjutori, Helsinginkatu, and Fleminginkatu.
While authorities receive praise for existing efforts, letters emphasize more action is needed. Specific requests include removing fixed furniture from Franzén Park, where benches installed in October are reportedly used exclusively by drug users and dealers.
Residents also demand immediate removal of a public toilet at Helsinginkatu and Sturenkatu intersection.
Concerns persist that without control, the synthetic drug problem will worsen or become permanent. The situation requires quick action before Kallio develops a permanent open drug scene like other major cities.
Requests include more security guards and police in areas like Piritori Square, restored preventive policing, and intensified street cleaning, particularly on weekends.
Systematic and rapid removal of drug needles and related waste is needed. The city must enhance work to prevent spread of alpha-PVP drugs.
Concrete, tighter cooperation between city officials, police, and local communities is essential. More resources should go toward preventive substance abuse work, detoxification, treatment places, and rehabilitation.
The city should allocate rapid response resources for acute situations.
This escalating situation shows how quickly urban drug problems can impact residential safety and quality of life. The coordinated response from multiple housing associations indicates the severity has reached a tipping point that demands immediate intervention.