Why Finland is Fantastic –
Reason #7,774: Leaving my car doors unlocked
I love it when I come out to my little 11 year-old VW and realize that I left my cardoors unlocked all night. Back in the states I’d be terrified in this situation. I’d think “Oh shit, what got stolen…” But here in Finland, it really gives me a good feeling when I forgetfully leave those doors open and not worry at all. I would never even think of breaking into a car or stealing ANYTHING from ANYWHERE and I strongly believe that 99.9% of the population share those same values with me. So leaving my doors unlocked like that kinda supports my theory that the vast majority of the population are indeed good people. Of course, there’s always that chance that I could get robbed in Finland, but the chances are much higher back home.
Of course, with a post like this, the 0.1% who would steal your car will all swarm to it next time you leave the doors unlocked..
Comment by mk — Wed, Jan 26th, 2005 @ 10:12 am
You don’t seem to be doing these reasons in a particularly logical order, Phil old chap.
Many times did I cycle home through Oulu at 2/3/4 in the morning, somnething I wouldn’t dream of doing in a UK city. Probably not in winter either, but for a different reason
Comment by becca — Wed, Jan 26th, 2005 @ 11:08 am
It depends on the area. I’ve forgotten my car doors open in Pajam?¤ki, but if I left my car downtown I’d be a bit apprehensive.
Then again I used to have a car that had two cardboards – one was in the window saying “don’t break the window the door is open” and the second one was taped to the steering wheel saying “don’t cut the wires, come get the battery first from A 12″
Comment by Hank W — Wed, Jan 26th, 2005 @ 11:48 am
My friend lived in the old side of K?¤pyl?¤. He had a Toyota Corolla and the locks on its doors were broken, so he kept it unlocked for 6 months. Not once did anyone steal anything!
Comment by Toni — Wed, Jan 26th, 2005 @ 12:40 pm
But on the other hand, couple of weeks ago somebody stole a tractor from my parentss neighbor. This being very deep in the countryside, it was totally unexpected. It’s a 20km drive to the nearest city and everybody knows everyone around there.
But I do feel safe in Finland. I like walking at night and for the last 6 months that I’ve walked around Tampere at night I haven’t seen anything that would worry me much. Exept the guy with a gun. But I still don’t believe it was real.
Comment by Toveri — Wed, Jan 26th, 2005 @ 6:50 pm
Easy for you to say “I don’t lock my doors” if they’re frozen shut all the time! So you’d better make that heading ….in summer
Comment by Beaver — Wed, Jan 26th, 2005 @ 7:43 pm