Shoplifting in Helsinki is no longer a petty nuisance. It has turned into a costly and growing problem that’s putting real pressure on local businesses. At a small grocery on Iso Roobertinkatu, the losses are no longer occasional. They’re consistent and expensive.
Mikko Karmakka manages a K-Market along the central street and says things have changed dramatically. “I’ve been doing this for two decades. I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said. Thefts have become more frequent, more strategic, and harder to control. Popular targets include alcohol, health supplements, and anything easy to resell.
Shoplifting in Helsinki has taken on new forms. Self-service scale manipulation is one tactic. Others run out with bags full of unpaid goods. Some thefts are clearly planned. Karmakka believes many are connected to substance abuse or reselling networks. “These aren’t just random acts. People know what they’re doing,” he said.
Between January and May 2025, Helsinki saw over 7,400 reported shoplifting cases, according to the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce. That’s a 60 percent jump from the same period in 2024. The numbers tend to spike in summer, and July may bring even higher figures.
For stores, the losses are direct. Karmakka said his shop alone loses tens of thousands of euros each year. “And we’re a neighborhood store, not some supermarket giant. We rely on regulars. We know our customers,” he said. But now the atmosphere has changed. Some customers feel uneasy. Workers are under stress. The job isn’t just about stocking shelves anymore. It’s about staying alert.
Retailers say existing penalties have done little to deter theft. Fines are handed out but often go unpaid. Prosecutions don’t always happen, and store staff feel unsupported. “There’s a sense of helplessness. You report it, but then what?” Karmakka asked.
A new law now allows jail time for repeat shoplifters with six or more convictions. This marks a shift from the old system where fines were the usual outcome. Karmakka said the reform is welcome, but enforcement is everything. “The law won’t matter if prosecutors don’t act. If people just ignore the fines and walk free, nothing will change.”
The impact extends beyond financial loss. “In the end, it’s the ordinary shopper who pays. Prices go up. We lose staff. Safety goes down,” he said.
