Five Youths Suspected of Numerous Outboard Motor Thefts in Finnish Archipelago

Finnish police are investigating a series of outboard motor thefts across the archipelago municipalities of Varsinais-Suomi, suspecting five individuals aged 15 to 20. The group is linked to at least 22 incidents that occurred between spring and early summer in areas including Kemiönsaari, Sauvo, Salo, and Naantali.

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Five young people aged 15-20 are suspected of a large-scale series of outboard motor thefts in the archipelago municipalities of Varsinais-Suomi, the police in Southwest Finland report.

The thefts primarily targeted outboard motors, but also included fuel canisters. According to investigators, the young suspects operated in groups of two or three, often disguised, and used tools to break locks on storage boxes. The investigation leader, Detective Chief Inspector Maria Sainio, noted that the case is unusual due to the young age of the suspects, most of whom have no prior criminal record.

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The suspects moved to the scene in groups of two or three and operated disguised. The perpetrators used tools and broke locks on storage boxes, among other things.

The stolen outboard motors were subsequently sold on online marketplaces. The suspects utilized multiple profiles on these platforms, as services often blocked accounts due to suspected misuse. Because these services frequently require strong identification, the youths reportedly enlisted the help of third parties to create new profiles. The value of individual motors ranged from a few hundred to several thousand euros, with the proceeds divided among those involved based on their roles.

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The case is unusual due to the young age of the suspects. The young people have hardly any previous criminal suspicions, and most of them are first-time offenders.

As the investigation progresses, police have received additional related reports, suggesting the total number of incidents may still rise. This specific series of thefts is believed to account for a significant portion of the more than 30 outboard motor thefts reported in the Varsinais-Suomi region this summer, which is notably higher than in previous years.

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The outboard motors were sold onward via internet sales platforms using both fake and their own profiles, the preliminary investigation has revealed.