Break-ins rise in Lower Austria as evenings grow darker

Break-ins in Lower Austria have increased as burglars take advantage of earlier darkness in autumn and winter, ORF reports.

With the clocks due to go back next Sunday, evenings are already getting darker earlier. Burglars can use the cover of darkness to enter homes while residents are still away, for example at work.

There were 860 break-ins in Lower Austria during last year’s autumn and winter months, more than 20 percent above the previous year. In 42 percent of cases, the break-in was attempted but not completed. About 85 percent of the 2025 break-ins targeted houses.

Manuel Scherscher, a spokesperson for the Lower Austria State Police Directorate, said break-ins remained a persistent crime despite crime shifting towards the internet in recent years. He warned that burglars may check whether anyone is home by ringing the doorbell or looking for signs such as lights being off.

Police advise residents to close and lock all windows and doors, even when leaving for a short time. They also recommend keeping ladders and tools off terraces and ensuring homes do not look unoccupied. Timers for lights, motion sensors, cameras and video door-entry systems can help deter burglars.

Neighbours can also help by watching for suspicious activity and contacting police. They should not put themselves in danger, Scherscher said.