Minister stresses joint intensive work to tackle youth violence

Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo on Saturday said that officials in various sectors should work together intensively uproot the youth violence from the society.

Talking to the TV1 Ykkösaamu ( Morning breakfast programme), the minister also said that additional funds must be allocated in this regard, reported national broadcaster Yle.

A leading Finnish language daily, Helsingin Sanomat, recently published a report on a youth network of 100 to 150 teens comprising both ethnic Finnish and foreign background, who are engaged in violent confrontations occasionally in the Helsinki City and snatch valuables and goods from people.

“The largest cities must now be vigilant in making sure they take such good care of the well-being of youth that reaching for a life of crime is not an alternative,” said the Yle reported, quoting the minister as saying.

Ohisalo, also Chair of the Vihreä Liitto (Green League), the third largest component of the five-party alliance government said that other cities must also be alert to avoid any such problem.

Earlier, prime minister Sanna Marin said that violence of the youth gangs against the people must be taken seriously and it should be addressed now to stop before worsening of the situation.

Terming the phenomenon as not new, Ohisalo said she had already discussed the issue with the police and other organisations.

She said the target is to improve the wellbeing of the youths who show criminal tendencies and to support them so that they avoid harmful activities.

According to the newspaper report, the youth group particularly try to confront other young people in Helsinki City Centre and other parts to steal high-end designer products like Louis Vuitton belts and Moncler jackets.