Systematic thefts in Estonia increase by 25%

In Estonia, the number of registered systematic thefts increased by 25% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year. This was the fastest growth among all types of crime, ERR News reported, citing the country's Ministry of Justice.

What is considered systematic theft

In Estonia, systematic theft is defined as petty theft committed at least three times within a short period. It most often involves the theft of goods from stores.

Ministry of Justice representative Mari-Liis Söet said that this trend is not unique to Estonia. According to her, the number of thefts has also increased in Finland, the United Kingdom and several other countries.

Söet noted that the exact reasons for the increase can only be presumed. One factor may be the rising cost of living. According to her, criminal networks have also become more professional, as indicated by Interpol and Europol, she said.

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Thefts at self-checkout counters

Tartu police representative Taivo Roosi noted that repeated petty thefts have been creating a burden for law enforcement agencies for many years. According to him, in grocery stores, customers sometimes pay for only part of their goods, leaving more expensive items unscanned at self-checkout counters.

When such cases reach the police, it often becomes clear that this is not a mistake or a customer's inattention, but deliberate behavior, Roosi said. Among the stolen goods, he mentioned expensive food products and alcohol in supermarkets, as well as costly construction and gardening tools in home improvement stores. Police also continue to record thefts of light vehicles and bicycles.

Overall crime statistics

According to Estonia's Ministry of Justice, a total of 14,600 crimes were registered in the country during the first half of the year. This is 6% more than during the same period last year.