Young people accused of stealing energy drinks in North Oulu

In North Oulu, reports have emerged of young people allegedly stealing energy drinks from a local store. Juha Heikkinen, the principal of Kellon School, sent a message to students and their parents today, informing them that minors under the age of 15 have been pilfering energy drinks from the local S-market following increased scrutiny over the purchase of these beverages.

Heikkinen explained to Yle that he had been contacted by the S-market regarding the issue. “They have reviewed surveillance footage to understand what occurs when such groups are in the store,” he stated. He noted in his message that young people approach the energy drink section, then conceal the drinks while walking around the store. They typically purchase a small item at the self-checkout afterward. According to Heikkinen, there were fourteen incidents of this nature reported just this past Tuesday.

In response, the store plans to enhance its security measures and will report any thefts to the police. So far, no individuals have been caught. Oona Arttijeff, the store manager at Kellon S-market, acknowledged suspicions of such activities but noted that they have not yet confirmed any actual thefts, stating, “More energy drinks come into the store than leave.”

Meanwhile, according to Janne Apukka, the owner of the Kellon K-market, they have not encountered similar incidents, although they are aware of the phenomenon and are closely monitoring the situation. Principal Heikkinen emphasized that the school is aware of students consuming energy drinks and highlighted recent incidents of vandalism involving bus windows being broken by fruit throwing. He hopes that families will address these issues, as he believes any criminal activities should be stopped immediately.