Three teenagers suspected of repeated knife attacks on Joensuu grill

Three 15-year-old boys are suspected of attacking the same grill trailer four times over two days in Joensuu, Yle reports. At least one knife was displayed during the incidents.

The attacks took place about two weeks ago in Rantakylä, a Joensuu district. The suspects are being investigated for two attempted aggravated robberies, aggravated robbery, possession of an object or substance capable of seriously injuring another person, and two minor counts of criminal damage.

Police say the suspects damaged the building with a knife. The preliminary investigation is still under way.

Police have arrested and questioned the boys. One has partially admitted to the offences, while the others have mostly denied them. The suspects were identified using surveillance footage and police inquiries, but they are not currently in police custody.

Police describe it as unusual that the teenagers targeted the same location so frequently.

Employees left feeling unsafe

Mustaqeem Bajwa was working at the grill during the attacks. He said the first incident was the most frightening.

“When we saw that they had a knife, we were extremely scared. We feared they would stab us if they got inside the trailer,” Bajwa said.

The grill’s surveillance cameras recorded the attempts to enter, and Yle has seen several recordings. Bajwa reported every attack to the emergency response centre, but the suspects had left before police arrived.

The incidents have left the employees and the grill’s owner, Ashish Nahar, feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. Police increased patrols in the area afterwards, but Bajwa and Nahar say patrols have since become less frequent.

Nahar said police had asked whether they should move the grill if they felt unsafe. The grill opened in Rantakylä in June, and Nahar is considering relocating it. He plans to ask the city whether other locations have become available.

Bajwa and Nahar said the teenagers did not speak or shout during the attacks.

“We do not know whether they only wanted money, or whether they wanted to hurt or frighten us. We are now on our guard,” Bajwa said.

Police call case an extreme example

Detective Chief Inspector Taija Kostamo, who is leading the investigation, said the motive had not been established during questioning. She suspects the teenagers may have been seeking excitement.

“The group encouraged them to commit extremely thoughtless and serious acts,” Kostamo said.

Police describe the case as an extreme example, but say the behaviour of some young people in the Joensuu region is causing concern. Kostamo stressed that the issue involves a relatively small group.

“They are certain individual people who find one another and drift into a life of crime,” she said.

Kostamo urged people to remain alert and said disruptive behaviour by young people should be addressed immediately.

More young people carrying bladed weapons

Minna Väistö, a detective chief inspector responsible for preventive work in the Ankkuri team, said some caution is warranted. According to police, young people are increasingly carrying bladed weapons, and such weapons are being confiscated considerably more often than before.

Väistö said a change had taken place over the past 15 years. Individual factors or the influence of young people’s social groups may be behind the development.

Police take possession of bladed weapons seriously. Regulations on carrying objects capable of seriously injuring another person were tightened earlier this year.

“Previously, a young person could get away with a fine, but now the matter goes to court and may result in a prison sentence,” Väistö said.

Juvenile crime has declined, but according to Väistö it is becoming concentrated among a smaller group, and the offences are becoming more serious.