Finland Times

 

File picture of killing in Oulu bar in 2015. Photo Lehtikuva.

The number of violent crimes has decreased in the first half of 2016, according to the latest police statistics.

 

The data shows the number of assault offences, in particular, has declined during in January to July.

 

The number of homicides, however, recorded a slight increase over last year’s figures. 

 

The police reported 89 capital crimes taking place from January to July, of which the majority were attempted homicides. Last year, there were 71 such offences in the same period.

 

The increase can be explained by a change in protocols, said Police Board Inspector Vesa Tikkala.

 

“The number of attempted homicides has increased, while that of aggravated assaults has decreased. The line between the two crimes is blurry, and the police consider on a case-by-case basis which crime falls to which category. The police have recorded more cases of attempted homicide than of aggravated assault,” said Tikkala.