Vienna district steps up prevention after 12 burglaries

Authorities in Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district are planning more prevention measures after 12 burglaries in Bruno-Marek-Allee within a week, ORF reported. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce is also considering whether private security could support local businesses.

At a meeting with residents on Thursday evening, local police said the suspects were young people, some under the age of 14, according to the current state of the investigation. Police have announced more patrols and stops.

The Vienna Chamber of Commerce met with businesses in the neighbourhood and said it would help them improve security. Michael Knoll, head of the Bruno-Marek-Allee shopping street association, said discounts for security measures had been suggested. The chamber was also considering providing its own security staff or financial assistance for businesses hiring private guards.

Police staffing shortages were discussed at the meeting. Police can have limited options when suspects are under 14 and below the age of criminal responsibility, the report said.

The district administration also plans to invest more in prevention. Deputy district head Christoph Zich said the youth budget had been increased to fund park supervision at Freie Mitte, alongside youth work by the Nordbahnhof youth centre. Police investigations are continuing.