Violence at Kouvola train station drives young people away
Tuesday 2nd June 2026 on 18:00 in
Finland
A surge in violent incidents at Kouvola’s central train station has forced young residents to avoid the area, with many now gathering on school grounds or outside supermarkets instead, Yle reports.
The station, long a popular meeting spot for local youth, has seen increased fights and disturbances this spring, including a stabbing in nearby Salpapuisto park in March. While police say a small group is responsible for most offenses, the unrest has disrupted daily life for others.
“Some groups you just have to avoid,” said 17-year-old Titta Lehtomäki, who now spends evenings with friends at Eskolanmäki school or a Citymarket parking lot rather than the station. She described witnessing brawls and intoxicated individuals attempting to approach minors, though she has not seen weapons used.
Police have stepped up patrols in response, with officers making more frequent visits to the station. “We’re increasing our presence to prevent disturbances and violent incidents,” said senior constable Matti Manninen. Authorities have also alerted parents via school messaging systems, urging them to monitor their children’s whereabouts.
Kouvola city officials will meet with police, VR (Finland’s state railway), the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, and social services in early June to address the issue. “We’re looking for ways to calm the situation before autumn, when problems typically resurface,” said Laura Sillanpää, coordinator for substance abuse and mental health prevention.
While most young people behave responsibly, police note a troubling rise in serious offenses by a minority. “Some lack any sense of accountability,” said senior constable Janne Kyrönviita, pointing to recent high-profile cases like a girl gang in Helsinki’s Vuosaari district and underage robberies in Espoo.
Despite the tensions, some teenagers remain unfazed. “The station can get rowdy, but it’s still fine to hang out there,” said 16-year-old Iisak Salonen. Others, like 14-year-old Milana Kudriatseva, acknowledge seeing older peers carry knives but consider Kouvola safer than larger cities.