Domestic violence and traffic offences increased during Midsummer celebrations
During the Midsummer period, police received 317 reports of crimes, mainly related to excessive alcohol consumption and domestic violence.
Domestic violence and traffic offences increased during Midsummer celebrations
Between 19 and 23 June, law enforcement conducted numerous operations across Estonia, as the extended Midsummer period brought about multiple incidents. The majority of these were related to the activities of intoxicated people and domestic violence.
According to the Police and Border Guard Board, 317 crime reports and 889 administrative offences were filed. On roads, 38 accidents occurred, resulting in three deaths and 45 people injured.
More than 80 drink-drivers were caught over the five-day period, although this figure has decreased compared to the previous year – then an average of 20 intoxicated drivers were detected per day, now 16. At the same time, speeding violations were recorded in approximately 290 cases. Sobriety checks were conducted on more than 32,000 motorists.
However, the most concerning development was the increase in domestic violence. Emergency services and patrols had to intervene in approximately 210 domestic conflicts, which exceeded the previous year's figure. Of these incidents, 46 involved minors who were either victims or witnesses. Due to the threat of violence, restraining orders preventing contact with relatives were imposed in six cases. More than 190 people who posed a danger to themselves or others were taken to a sobering-up facility.
Inna Toater, head of the Northern Police Prefecture, commented that it is regrettable when some people cannot celebrate safely simply because the danger comes from their closest surroundings. She emphasised that violence is never justified.
Source: Delfi
Source: Google News EE — Crime (et)