Police link rising Linz car thefts to youth group

Car thefts are increasing in Linz and the surrounding area, with police apparently targeting unlocked vehicles whose keys have been left inside, ORF Upper Austria reported on Tuesday.

Investigators say they have found an initial lead pointing to a group of young people. They came across videos on social media that the youths allegedly recorded and posted themselves. The videos are said to show them during the thefts.

Possible competition among friends

Police said the group may have developed a kind of competition over who could steal the most cars. This has not yet been confirmed.

Some of the stolen vehicles are used for several days before usually being abandoned elsewhere. When they are later found, the cars are often damaged.

Police are urging vehicle owners to lock their cars even when leaving them for a short time and to check that the locks have engaged. Keys should always be taken with them, and spare keys should never be kept inside the vehicle.

Valuables and documents should also not be left in cars. Anyone who sees someone pulling on car doors to check whether they are unlocked should call the police on 133.