How could cooperation be intensified? What kinds of acts exceed the definition of an environmental crime?

These questions were considered in good cooperation by a wide group when the Kanta-Häme regional environmental crime prevention group met in Janakkala on Thursday, October 29, convened by Janakkala’s environmental protection. Participants included representatives from the fire and rescue services, the police, the prosecution services and other municipalities in the area: Riihimäki, Hausjärvi, Loppi, Hämeenlinna, Forssa, and Tammela. Representatives from the Permit and Supervision Agency were also invited, but none were able to attend.

Representatives of the police and the prosecutor’s office said that suspected criminal activity related to municipal environmental protection could be brought to their attention at a lower threshold than before so that it can be addressed.

An environmental crime is an act or omission that damages or endangers the living environment, nature, natural resources, waters, the air, the soil or flora and fauna, contrary to laws or official orders. The most typical forms of environmental crime are various degrees of environmental degradation, environmental offences and nature protection crimes.

The regional group for combating environmental crime meets annually at the invitation of different municipalities. The next municipality to host will be Loppi.