In the Eastern Uusimaa region of Finland, police have reported a troubling increase in car thefts where vehicles are stolen while they are running and left unattended. This worrying trend has been notably observed during the months of January and February, with multiple incidents occurring in areas such as Hyvinkää and Vantaa. The situation poses a significant risk, especially as many owners have been leaving their vehicles idling while they are away, sometimes with the keys already in the ignition, making them easy targets for thieves.

According to Janne Levälampi, a crime constable at the Eastern Uusimaa police department, the type or price of the stolen vehicle does not appear to matter to the thieves; rather, their main concern seems to be the ease of access to the vehicle. Various types of vehicles, from vans to SUVs, have been reported missing, and the police emphasize that no one should feel secure in the belief that their car cannot be stolen simply because of its make or model. This advice is particularly pertinent as these thefts seem to be opportunistic, occurring in everyday locations like private homes, daycare centers, and construction sites.

The colder temperatures have been suggested to contribute to this criminal activity, with Levälampi noting that even thieves may prefer the convenience of a running vehicle rather than walking in cold weather. The thefts are executed quickly, leaving victims with little time to react. Local police continue to urge the community to remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid becoming easy targets for such opportunistic crimes.