Vientiane authorities have arrested a group of 16 teenagers for using knives and machetes to rob people across various areas of the capital, including the Mekong riverside.
The first robbery took place on 12 January at Wat Tay Noi in Nong Sanokham village, Sikhottabong district.
A few days later, on 19 January, the group struck again at the Samrak Pak Pasak restaurant in Sitan Nuea village. CCTV footage from the scene showed the group attacking people with knives and stealing their phones before fleeing.
On 3 February, they targeted an old gas station in Ban Umphong, Sikhottabong district.
After the incidents, Vientiane Police, in cooperation with district police, launched an investigation.
By February 4, authorities detained all 16 suspects, including one woman, for questioning.
The group confessed to riding motorcycles in large numbers, eight to ten vehicles, across the city at night, committing robberies and stealing phones and valuables.
Authorities continue to investigate and will prosecute the suspects according to the law.
