The Helsinki Police Department received nearly 50 reports of pickpocket incidents in the city's downtown in the beginning of this year, according to the law enforcement agency.
In a press release issued on Thursday, police said that four individuals suspected of pickpocketing were arrested last week.
Police said the pickpockets were part of an organised, professional group and managed to pilfer thousands of euros in cash from their victims.
The incidents took place in the city's Kluuvi neighbourhood, home to a number of shops and cafes and often full of locals as well as tourists.
The suspects were from Eastern Europe. According to police, the expulsions are based on the Aliens Act, which calls for deportations of individuals considered to be a danger to public order and security.
The department extended thanks to a Stockmann department store security guard who observed the pickpockets in action and tipped off authorities, according to police inspector Jari Korkalainen.
The investigation revealed the pickpockets' activities were organised and professional in nature, police said.
The Helsinki Police Department shared security camera video of the alleged crimes on X (formerly Twitter).
Police said most of the thefts involved two perpetrators, one that distracts victims while the other steals their valuables.
Korkalainen said that often one of the criminals would distract their victims by pushing them while the other grabs their wallet from their backpack.
According to police the thieves have stolen thousands of euros in cash, as well as pilfered passports and expensive wallets.
Police warned members of the public to be attentive moving around the city centre and to contact authorities to report suspicious activity. People should pay close attention where their valuables are being carried and to keep their wallets in hard-to-reach places.
People should also avoid keeping wallets in their back pants pockets or in the outer pockets of their backpacks, where items are more easily grabbed, police advised.