Supermarkets across Finland are reporting a sharp increase in alcohol thefts, forcing retailers to take unusual measures. In some Helsinki stores — even in the upscale district of Ullanlinna — bottles of whisky and cognac have disappeared from shelves, replaced by cardboard stand-ins showing printed images of the products. According to Statistics Finland, nearly 35,000 shoplifting cases were reported to police in the first half of 2025, marking an 18% rise from the previous year. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, store managers report increases of over 60%. Thefts are often linked to resale on the black market rather than personal use, creating what analysts describe as a growing parallel economy. The Finnish Commerce Federation estimates direct annual losses of about €500 million, with another €500 million spent on security systems and preventive measures. The empty shelves and cardboard bottles now seen in many Finnish stores have become a striking symbol of this shift — a reminder that even one of the world’s most trusted and affluent societies is not immune to the effects of economic strain and organised petty crime.
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