Residents of Helsinki’s Kallio and Taka-Töölö districts have raised alarms over escalating drug-related activities in their neighborhoods. Multiple housing associations have sent urgent letters to city authorities, describing the situation as “acute” and “unbearable.”
In Kallio, residents report open drug use and sales in public areas, including yards and playgrounds. Incidents of vandalism, break-ins, and thefts have become common, with drug paraphernalia frequently found in communal spaces. One housing association highlighted that their property has been subjected to various forms of vandalism, including attempts to break into the building and theft of bicycles.
Similarly, in Taka-Töölö, a recent shooting incident involving a 16-year-old boy has heightened concerns about safety. Residents have observed an increase in drug-related activities, particularly around public restrooms, leading to a sense of unease in the community.
In response to these concerns, Helsinki’s Deputy Mayor Maarit Vierunen stated that the city has hired additional staff for mobile substance abuse work and for assessing the need for detoxification and rehabilitation services. She emphasized the importance of swift action and collaboration between city officials and the police to address the issue.
Residents are calling for increased police presence, systematic removal of drug-related waste, and enhanced preventive measures to curb the spread of synthetic drugs. They stress the need for concrete cooperation between city officials, police, and local communities to restore safety and quality of life in their neighborhoods.